What happens during the Whipple procedure?
A. If you elect to have an epidural (spinal) catheter for postoperative pain control, the epidural team will place the device while you wait in the preoperative holding area before the surgery. Although you are aware during the epidural placement, the anesthesiologist will usually give you a sedative and numbing medicine into your back. Prior to your operation, the surgeon and anesthesiologist will see you and your family in the preoperative holding area. This is an opportunity to have them answer any last minute questions.