From the borders edge to the brink of death: A case of a traumatic pancreatic injury and Whipple procedure in the Rio Grande Valley

Abstract

The traumatic pancreatoduodenectomy, also known as the traumatic Whipple, is a specialized surgical procedure often reserved for extreme cases in which an individual suffers traumatic injuries to the pancreas, duodenum, or periampullary structures. Traditionally, a Whipple procedure is a complex surgery involving the removal of the head of the pancreas, duodenum, and a portion of both the bile duct and stomach, for the management of pancreatic head cancer. In underserved communities where limited access to healthcare is coupled with a higher incidence of trauma, the lack of specialized and supportive care for patients suffering from pancreatic injuries may lead to an increased morbidity and mortality rate. This case report aims to provide a detailed analysis of a patient who underwent a traumatic pancreatoduodenectomy in a medically underserved region in South Texas, while discussing the rarity of the procedure, its incidence and mortality rates, as well as the subsequent outcomes faced by individuals in this patient population.

Keywords

• Traumatic Whipple
• Pancreatoduodenectomy
• Trauma surgery
• Underserved community
• Healthcare disparities