A client is undergoing removal of the head of the pancreas, resection of the duodenum and stomach, with redirecting the flow of secretions from the stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas into the jejunum. What procedure is this client undergoing?

• A. Distal pancreatectomy
• B. Cholecystojejunostomy
• C. Radical pancreatoduodenectomy
• D. Total pancreatectomy

Answer: (C)

Pancreatoduodenectomy, commonly called a Whipple procedure, is the operation described. It involves removing the head of the pancreas along with the duodenum and part of the stomach, then reconnecting the biliary, pancreatic, and gastric secretions to the jejunum (gastrojejunostomy, pancreaticojejunostomy, and hepaticojejunostomy). This reconstruction allows secretions from the stomach, gallbladder, and pancreas to drain into the small intestine, which matches the scenario given. Distal pancreatectomy would remove only the tail of the pancreas, not the head or stomach; cholecystojejunostomy would connect only the gallbladder to the jejunum without removing the pancreatic head or stomach; and total pancreatectomy would remove the entire pancreas, not just the head.