For a pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) in San Francisco, you have access to some of the nation’s most advanced centers and experienced surgeons. Here’s a focused guide to trusted hospitals offering affordable and effective care:
- UCSF Medical Center – Pancreas Center
Specialization: UCSF’s Pancreas Center is a leading facility for pancreatic surgery, including the Whipple procedure. Their team includes top specialists in surgery, oncology, gastroenterology, and anesthesia.
Experience: UCSF surgeons are known for handling complex and high-risk cases, often accepting patients turned down elsewhere. They are pioneers in minimally invasive and robotic Whipple surgery, which can mean less pain and faster recovery.
Innovation: UCSF performed the first pure robotic Whipple surgery in the Bay Area, offering advanced options for eligible patients.
Comprehensive Care: Multidisciplinary team approach, state-of-the-art pain management, and access to clinical trials for the latest therapies.
Affordability: As a major academic center, UCSF accepts most insurance plans and provides financial counseling. They also collaborate with affiliated public hospitals to extend high-quality care to more patients.
Location: UCSF Mission Bay and Parnassus campuses.
Contact: A doctor’s referral is required for appointments.
Noted Surgeons:
Dr. Carlos Corvera (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Eric Nakakura (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Kimberly Kirkwood (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Mohamed Adam, Dr. Adnan Alseidi (Robotic Surgery)
- Sutter Health – California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC)
Specialization: Sutter Health’s CPMC offers advanced pancreatic cancer care, including Whipple and minimally invasive surgeries.
Comprehensive Services: Multidisciplinary teams, genetic counseling, support groups, and access to clinical trials.
Affordability: Recognized for comprehensive cancer care and support services, with financial counseling available.
Location: Multiple campuses in San Francisco.
Contact: Call 888-834-1788 for referrals and information.
- UCSF-Affiliated Public Hospitals
Background: UCSF surgeons also operate at affiliated hospitals like San Francisco General and the VA Medical Center, bringing high-level expertise to more affordable, community-based settings.
Outcomes: Studies show that with UCSF’s protocols and training, these hospitals achieve outcomes similar to the main academic center, making them a good option for affordable care.
Why Choose These Centers?
High Volume & Expertise: UCSF and CPMC are high-volume centers, which is associated with better outcomes for Whipple procedures.
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Options: UCSF offers both traditional and robotic Whipple, reducing recovery time and complications for many patients.
Multidisciplinary Care: Both systems provide coordinated care with surgeons, oncologists, and support staff.
Access to Clinical Trials: Cutting-edge therapies and research participation are available at both UCSF and Sutter Health.
How to Proceed
Consult Your Doctor: Obtain a referral for UCSF or Sutter Health.
Contact the Hospital:
UCSF Pancreas Center: Referral required, then call for an appointment.
Sutter Health/CPMC: Call 888-834-1788 for information and referrals.
Ask About:
Minimally invasive or robotic surgery eligibility
Financial counseling and insurance coverage
Support services and post-op care
Summary Table
Hospital/Center Specialization Noted Surgeons Affordability/Support
UCSF Pancreas Center Whipple, robotic surgery Dr. Corvera, Dr. Nakakura, Dr. Kirkwood, Dr. Adam, Dr. Alseidi Insurance, financial aid
Sutter Health (CPMC) Pancreatic cancer, Whipple Multidisciplinary team Insurance, counseling
UCSF-Affiliated Public Hospitals UCSF protocols, affordable UCSF-trained surgeons Lower cost, similar outcomes
In summary:
For a Whipple procedure in San Francisco, UCSF Medical Center is the top choice for expertise, innovation, and outcomes, with Sutter Health/CPMC as another excellent option. Both offer multidisciplinary care, minimally invasive techniques, and support for financial and insurance needs. UCSF-affiliated public hospitals provide affordable care with outcomes comparable to top academic centers.
