Capt, I had the procedure 18 months ago, they say a 6-10 hour procedure, in my case 8. One reason they do the whipple is they just do not know if it is benign or otherwise until the tests are done on the tissue removed during the operation. Prior to the procedure they said 50/50 benign or cancerous. Ten days after the operation I was given the news 'the operation was necessary' meaning it was not benign.
That was followed by chemotherapy, 6 months after the end of the chemo, they found spread, unfortunately, I am now classed as palliative not curative.
My procedure was carried out at Addenbrookes in Cambridge one of the foremost hospitals for this procedure.
The surgeon said it would be a 'life changing' procedure.
I truly wish you all the very very best for the future.