Spiral CT following the Whipple procedure: distinguishing normal postoperative findings from complications

J Comput Assist Tomogr. 2002 Nov-Dec;26(6):956-61. doi: 10.1097/00004728-200211000-00018.

Abstract

Following a Whipple procedure for a patient with pancreatic cancer, postoperative imaging with CT is essential to exclude complications and to identify recurrence. Accurate interpretation of these examinations requires knowledge of the type of surgery performed and the normal appearance of the abdomen on CT following this complex surgery. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to illustrate the normal appearance of the bowel following a Whipple procedure as well as some of the complications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Jejunum / anatomy & histology
  • Jejunum / diagnostic imaging
  • Jejunum / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Pancreaticoduodenectomy / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*