Best Doctor List Near You for Kocher Manoeuvre in Healesville

The Kocher maneuver is a surgical technique used to facilitate the exposure of the duodenum and surrounding structures, particularly during operations involving the upper abdomen. Named after the Swiss surgeon Emil Kocher, this maneuver involves mobilizing the duodenum and parts of the pancreas by detaching them from their retroperitoneal attachments. The procedure is typically performed by making an incision along the right side of the abdominal cavity and then carefully dissecting and freeing the duodenum from the posterior abdominal wall. This technique is commonly employed in surgeries such as cholecystectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), or repair of duodenal ulcers. The primary cause for performing the Kocher maneuver is to gain better access to and visibility of the duodenum, pancreas, and adjacent structures during surgery. It is particularly useful in cases where the duodenum is obscured by other organs or when it is necessary to mobilize the duodenum to address conditions like tumors, obstructions, or chronic inflammation. Complications associated with the Kocher maneuver can include injury to adjacent structures such as the bile ducts, blood vessels, or the pancreas itself. There is also a risk of bleeding, infection, or damage to the duodenum during the mobilization process. Additionally, potential complications might involve postoperative issues such as delayed gastric emptying or pancreatitis. Despite these risks, the Kocher maneuver is a valuable technique in abdominal surgery, providing enhanced access and visibility that can improve the outcomes of complex procedures involving the upper gastrointestinal tract.