Surgery is usually the main way to treat duodenal cancer. Resection. This means surgery to remove tissue, a structure, or organs. The most common option for a duodenal tumor is the Whipple procedure, which removes the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder, and the bile duct.

Can you live without the duodenum?

If the pyloric valve located between the stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum) is removed, the stomach is unable to retain food long enough for partial digestion to occur. Food then travels too rapidly into the small intestine producing a condition known as the post-gastrectomy syndrome.

Do you need your duodenum?

The duodenum is shaped like a horseshoe and receives partially digested food from the stomach. This organ plays a key role in the digestive process. Chemical secretions and bile are emptied into the duodenum to help break down food passed from the stomach.