Characteristics of Patients in Follow-up After the Whipple Procedure in the Intensive Care Unit: Field-specific Intensive Care Experience

Introduction: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) is an important surgical intervention in terms of adverse conditions that may occur after surgery. Our aim is to determine the change in the clinical course of the patients followed in the intensive care unit (ICU) after pancreaticoduodenectomy during the follow-up period. Methods: We included 37 patients followed up after the Whipple procedure from August 2021 to August 2022 in a tertiary ICU specific for liver-pancreas-biliary tract and liver transplantation. Results: The vital signs and laboratory values of the patients during the follow-up were examined. Statistically decreased arterial blood lactate levels and a significant increase in arterial blood partial oxygen pressures were seen upon admission to the ICU. The highest detected arterial lactate level was correlated with the percentage change in blood creatinine. Conclusion: Patients should be followed closely after the Whipple procedure. Fluid volume treatment and respiratory support play a significant role in patient recovery.