Which procedure involves the removal of the pancreatic head?

The Whipple procedure, also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, involves the surgical removal of the pancreatic head, along with the duodenum, a portion of the bile duct, gallbladder, and sometimes part of the stomach. This complex surgery is often performed to treat pancreatic cancer or other conditions affecting the head of the pancreas, making it a crucial operation in managing these diseases.

In contrast, pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is a type of stomach surgery that involves the partial removal of the stomach while preserving the pylorus, not the pancreas. Pancreatectomy refers to the removal of the pancreas but does not specify which part, hence could involve total, distal, or subtotal resection. Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder and does not involve the pancreas at all. Therefore, the Whipple procedure is the only one among the listed options that specifically targets the removal of the pancreatic head.