Which surgical procedure is commonly associated with pancreatic cancer?

The Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a major surgical operation commonly associated with pancreatic cancer, particularly for tumors located in the head of the pancreas. This procedure involves the removal of the head of the pancreas, the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), the gallbladder, and part of the bile duct.

The goal of the Whipple procedure is to remove cancerous tissues while preserving as much of the surrounding healthy organs as possible, thus improving outcomes and potentially facilitating the patient's digestion post-surgery. It is considered the standard surgical treatment for resectable pancreatic tumors and is significant in improving survival rates for individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Other surgical procedures listed, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy and splenectomy, are not primarily associated with pancreatic cancer. The laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgery to remove the gallbladder and is usually performed for gallstones or gallbladder disease, not cancer. Splenectomy involves the removal of the spleen and is relevant in various contexts but is not specific to pancreatic cancer treatment. While a pancreatectomy is a general term for the surgical removal of the pancreas, the Whipple procedure specifically addresses resectable