Re: why aren't more people having TP/ICT? to Donna

February 5, 2005

donna wrote:

> I had the Whipple in 2003 and it was never mentioned or discussed

about a TP/ICT. I don't know why,assuming it was not an option.

Does anyone know why it WOULD NOT be mentioned?<

Donna,

There are MANY situations where a TP/ICT just would NOT be the right

solution for certain individuals. You have to remember that each case

is different, and the problems of the individual need to be reviewed

and assessed by a physician, who decides what the best method of

treatment will be to help that individual. A TP/ICT is not a often

practiced procedure, and there are only a few hospitals and surgeons

that are even qualified to do it. The whipple is a procedure that has

been performed and had successful results for many, many years, and

doctors are comfortable with this surgery.

The TP/ICT is still considered " experimental " by many insurance

companies, in spite of the fact that Dr. Sutherland has been doing it

since the '70's. For a very long time, he was the only surgeon doing

this procedure, and it's only been recently, within the last few

years, that other doctor's have been trained to do the procedure and

that it's been offered as an option in particular hospitals.

Those are probably the reasons why your doctor didn't mention it when

he performed your surgery in 2003.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

Bluffton, SC

South Carolina State Rep.

South Eastern Regional Rep., PAI

Note: All comments or advice are from personal experiences or opinion

only,and should not be a substitute for consultation with your medical

professional.

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