Which operative procedure is performed for pancreatic head carcinoma?

The Whipple procedure, formally known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is the standard surgical intervention for pancreatic head carcinoma. This complex operation involves the resection of the pancreatic head, along with the duodenum, part of the bile duct, and sometimes a portion of the stomach. The goal of the procedure is to remove the tumor along with surrounding tissues affected by cancer while preserving as much normal tissue as possible for the patient’s health and digestive function.

Due to the anatomical location of pancreatic head carcinoma, which often leads to bile duct obstruction and requires a reconfiguration of the digestive tract, the Whipple procedure is crucial for potentially achieving curative outcomes in appropriately selected patients. This procedure is notoriously intricate and typically requires a skilled surgical team due to the proximity of critical structures and the risk of complications.

The other options presented do not appropriately address pancreatic head carcinoma. Laparoscopy refers to a minimally invasive technique that may be employed for various diagnostic or therapeutic procedures but is not a specific treatment for pancreatic cancer. An esophagectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the esophagus, commonly performed for esophageal cancer. Cholecystectomy involves the removal of the gallbladder, primarily indicated for gallstones or gallbladder disease, and