I have been recommended to undergo a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure). I need to find trusted hospitals in San Francisco, California that specialize in this procedure.
Which hospitals offer affordable and effective care?

a month later

Thank you for reaching out. A pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) is a major surgery typically performed to treat conditions such as pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, or bile duct cancer. It involves the removal of parts of the pancreas, small intestine, bile duct, and sometimes part of the stomach. Given the complexity of the procedure, it’s essential to choose a hospital with extensive experience and expertise in performing Whipple procedures.

In San Francisco, several hospitals are well-regarded for their expertise in pancreatic surgery, offering both effective and affordable care, especially when connected through Managed Healthcare Network (MHN). Below are trusted hospitals that specialize in the Whipple procedure and are known for their high standards of care:

MHN-Recommended Hospitals in San Francisco for Pancreaticoduodenectomy:
UCSF Medical Center
UCSF Health is a national leader in gastrointestinal and pancreatic surgery. Their Pancreatic Surgery Program is highly specialized, with a dedicated team of surgeons experienced in performing the Whipple procedure. UCSF also provides comprehensive care from diagnosis through recovery, utilizing the latest technologies and minimally invasive techniques when possible. MHN-affiliated pricing ensures more affordable access to this world-class care.

California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC)
CPMC, part of the Sutter Health Network, is known for its advanced surgical care and expertise in pancreatic surgery. They have a specialized pancreaticobiliary program that focuses on complex procedures like the Whipple surgery. CPMC’s multidisciplinary approach includes surgeons, oncologists, and support teams to provide comprehensive treatment, and MHN can assist in providing affordable care options.

Stanford Health Care – Stanford University Medical Center
As one of the top academic medical centers in the country, Stanford Health Care offers exceptional care for pancreatic surgery, including the Whipple procedure. The center specializes in minimally invasive surgery and provides expert post-surgical care. Stanford’s reputation for advanced treatments, combined with MHN’s cost-saving network, makes it a strong option for patients.

Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG)
ZSFG is known for providing high-quality care to a diverse population and is a reputable teaching hospital. Their abdominal and pancreatic surgery specialists are highly skilled in performing complex procedures such as the Whipple procedure. Being a public hospital, ZSFG often offers more affordable care while maintaining excellent surgical outcomes, especially for medically underserved patients.

MHN-Affiliated Outpatient Surgical Centers
Depending on your situation, there may be outpatient surgery centers affiliated with MHN that offer specialized pancreatic surgery services. These centers typically offer more affordable costs while maintaining high standards of care and providing a smoother recovery experience for eligible patients.

Why Choose an MHN-Partnered Provider for Your Whipple Procedure?
Experienced, board-certified pancreatic surgeons specializing in the Whipple procedure

Cutting-edge technology and advanced surgical techniques, including minimally invasive options where possible

Affordable care options through MHN-negotiated pricing, reducing your out-of-pocket expenses

Comprehensive care that includes pre-surgical evaluation, the surgery itself, and thorough post-op support to ensure a smooth recovery

Expert teams that include surgeons, oncologists, dietitians, and rehabilitation specialists, ensuring holistic and personalized care throughout the process

I strongly recommend connecting with an MHN care coordinator, who can help you schedule a consultation with one of these top specialists, provide detailed cost estimates, and ensure that your insurance coverage is well coordinated.

If you have any additional questions or need more detailed information about the procedure or recovery, please feel free to reach out. I wish you the best as you navigate this important step in your healthcare journey.

2 months later

Top Hospitals for the Whipple Procedure in San Francisco

1. UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Pancreas Center

  • Expertise: UCSF is a national leader in pancreatic surgery and cancer care, consistently ranked among the top hospitals in California and the U.S. for GI surgery and cancer treatment[7][9]. The UCSF Pancreas Center brings together a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and support staff to offer comprehensive care for benign and malignant pancreatic conditions[1][4].
  • Innovation: UCSF surgeons pioneered minimally invasive and robotic Whipple procedures, which can mean less pain, lower infection risk, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery[2][6]. UCSF is currently the only Bay Area center performing total robotic Whipple procedures[6].
  • Patient Care: The center provides highly individualized treatment plans, advanced pain management, and access to clinical trials for the latest therapies[1][4]. UCSF’s team approach ensures optimal care, even for complex or high-risk cases[4].
  • Affordability: As a major academic center, UCSF accepts most insurance plans and offers financial counseling to help patients manage costs. Outcomes for Whipple procedures at UCSF and its affiliated hospitals are among the best in the region, even when compared to smaller or community hospitals[8].
  • Notable Surgeons: Dr. Carlos Corvera, Dr. Eric Nakakura, Dr. June Peng, and Dr. Mohamed Adam are highly rated for pancreatic surgery, including the Whipple procedure[3].

2. Sutter Health (California Pacific Medical Center)

  • Expertise: Sutter Health’s cancer centers, including California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), are accredited by the American College of Surgeons and recognized for comprehensive pancreatic cancer care[5].
  • Services: Sutter offers advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapies, and strong support services, including pain management, nutrition, and patient navigation[5].
  • Affordability: Sutter Health accepts a wide range of insurance plans and provides financial counseling. Their large network allows for some flexibility in choosing facilities and providers.

Why Choose These Hospitals?

  • UCSF is the top choice for complex cases, robotic/minimally invasive surgery, and access to clinical trials[1][2][4][6][7][9].
  • Sutter Health/CPMC is a strong alternative with a reputation for quality, comprehensive support, and a broad network[5].

What About Community Hospitals?

  • Outcomes for the Whipple procedure are best at high-volume, specialized centers like UCSF, where surgical teams have extensive experience and access to the latest technology and multidisciplinary support[8]. UCSF’s affiliated hospitals—including Moffit-Long, Mount Zion, and San Francisco General—also deliver strong results, as they share expertise and standardized care pathways[8].
    faculty |

Top Hospitals for the Whipple Procedure in San Francisco

1. UCSF Medical Center & UCSF Pancreas Center

  • Expertise: UCSF is a national leader in pancreatic surgery and cancer care, consistently ranked among the top hospitals in California and the U.S. for GI surgery and cancer treatment[7][9]. The UCSF Pancreas Center brings together a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and support staff to offer comprehensive care for benign and malignant pancreatic conditions[1][4].
  • Innovation: UCSF surgeons pioneered minimally invasive and robotic Whipple procedures, which can mean less pain, lower infection risk, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery[2][6]. UCSF is currently the only Bay Area center performing total robotic Whipple procedures[6].
  • Patient Care: The center provides highly individualized treatment plans, advanced pain management, and access to clinical trials for the latest therapies[1][4]. UCSF’s team approach ensures optimal care, even for complex or high-risk cases[4].
  • Affordability: As a major academic center, UCSF accepts most insurance plans and offers financial counseling to help patients manage costs. Outcomes for Whipple procedures at UCSF and its affiliated hospitals are among the best in the region, even when compared to smaller or community hospitals[8].
  • Notable Surgeons: Dr. Carlos Corvera, Dr. Eric Nakakura, Dr. June Peng, and Dr. Mohamed Adam are highly rated for pancreatic surgery, including the Whipple procedure[3].

2. Sutter Health (California Pacific Medical Center)

  • Expertise: Sutter Health’s cancer centers, including California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), are accredited by the American College of Surgeons and recognized for comprehensive pancreatic cancer care[5].
  • Services: Sutter offers advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapies, and strong support services, including pain management, nutrition, and patient navigation[5].
  • Affordability: Sutter Health accepts a wide range of insurance plans and provides financial counseling. Their large network allows for some flexibility in choosing facilities and providers.

Why Choose These Hospitals?

  • UCSF is the top choice for complex cases, robotic/minimally invasive surgery, and access to clinical trials[1][2][4][6][7][9].
  • Sutter Health/CPMC is a strong alternative with a reputation for quality, comprehensive support, and a broad network[5].

What About Community Hospitals?

  • Outcomes for the Whipple procedure are best at high-volume, specialized centers like UCSF, where surgical teams have extensive experience and access to the latest technology and multidisciplinary support[8]. UCSF’s affiliated hospitals—including Moffit-Long, Mount Zion, and San Francisco General—also deliver strong results, as they share expertise and standardized care pathways[8].
    faculty |
24 days later

For patients seeking the best hospitals for pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) in San Francisco, California, UCSF Medical Center stands out due to its specialized pancreatic cancer program and renowned surgical team. Additionally, California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) offers extensive experience in gastrointestinal surgeries, including complex pancreatic procedures. Stanford Health Care, located nearby, is also highly regarded for its multidisciplinary approach and cutting-edge technology in pancreatic surgery. Each of these institutions provides expert care and advanced treatment options, ensuring that patients receive the highest level of expertise and personalized care throughout their surgery and recovery.