Finding a Whipple Expert

jrphil,

The question to ask is whether the Whipple is done laparoscopically? This, to me, is the major decision factor.

Laparoscopic Whipple requires extremely well trained surgical teams, facilities and surgeons - this is the differentiating point, IMO.

Your location should be secondary - go where they might be able to save your life. If you need to stay, then rent a place for as long as it takes to get through their neoadjuvant process and to the Whipple - and, post op chemo, if directed.

John's Hopkin's in Baltimore has a very good department. Family friend (a physician) went there, his surgeon performs 8 procedures a week. I am not sure of the name but will find out if Baltimore seems like a reasonable location for you.

Agree that laparoscopically would be ideal, though not sure that is an option with other extenuating factors. Hoping upcoming 2nd opinion at 2nd facility will be more reassuring. Thank you.

Thank you gardenlady1116. The surgery count you mentioned is exactly the information I am trying to locate, but it has been elusive to this point.

Not sure I understand - with laparoscopic surgery - since it is only done at advanced centers - you get the best care.

What could be so extenuating you would not want the best care?

Hi I done my Whipple pancreas laparoscopic surgery & robotic (sewing up the connecting tissues) surgery at Changi Restructure hospitals in 2020. In hospital for at least 13 days. Taken care by a panel team of doctors including the surgeon. Hope this help you to decide on the best care.

Kirpal Singh in Indianapolis, IN - St Vincent did my father's whipple laparoscopic procedure in Feb 2022. He has trained quite a few surgeons in using the Davinci machine for the surgery. He has a few videos of him performing various procedures on his Youtube Channel IndianapolisDaVinci

@jrphil, naturally, I'm going to recommend Mayo Clinic experts in pancreatic cancer care. To learn more, you can call the appointment office here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

Here's more info about pancreatic cancer care at Mayo https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20355431

Members like @dakotarunner @marvinjsturing @charliegolfrep @bb21 @tpw3845 share more in these related discussions:
– New diagnosis of early and small pancreatic cancer, Whipple at Mayo? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-diagnosis-of-early-and-small-pancreatic-cancer-whipple-at-mayo/
– Whipple procedure: What is the recovery like? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pancreatic-cancer-whipple-procedure/

My family friend who is a surgeon went to his alma mater, John's Hopkins in Baltimore. Dr He did the surgery.

@jrphil I agree with @ colleenyoung. I know there are many good hospitals around the nation that perform Whipple surgeries. But it would be worth your while to check the Mayo Clinic. At the time I had my surgery 9 years ago, the surgeon I had (now retired) was rated as one of the best in the world. And the care I received after surgery was phenomenal. Even today, Mayo is noted for their advancements in treating pancreatic cancer patients.