Which procedure is specifically performed for pancreatic carcinoma?

The Whipple operation, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is specifically designed for treating pancreatic carcinoma, particularly when the tumor is located in the head of the pancreas. This complex surgical procedure involves the removal of the head of the pancreas along with the duodenum, a portion of the bile duct, gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach.

The objective of this operation is to resect the cancerous part of the pancreas while also addressing the adjacent structures that may be affected by the tumor. The Whipple operation is significant because it provides a potential curative approach for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, allowing for the possibility of improved survival rates when the cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage.

In contrast, other procedures listed do not specifically target pancreatic carcinoma. Vagotomy primarily involves cutting the vagus nerve to reduce acid secretion, which is not directly related to pancreatic cancer treatment. The Billroth II procedure is a type of gastric surgery involving partial stomach resection and is not pertinent to pancreatic issues. The paramedian rectus incision is a surgical approach to accessing the abdominal cavity but does not correspond to a specific treatment for pancreatic cancer.