Lifesaving surgery for pancreatic cancer
The Whipple procedure
- Surgery performed by a leading expert in the field
- Excellent intensive care facilities after surgery
- Full multi-disciplinary team support during your recovery
Rating: 5 stars
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UK's leading hospital group 2023 -
Private hospital group of the year 2023
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Our expert team
Our expert team provides state-of-the-art, innovative, surgery performed by an expert in the field
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Your safety comes first
We are committed to ensuring you have treatment in a clinically safe and secure environment
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Treatment as unique as you
We build personalised plans with award-winning consultants to meet your individual needs
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The aftercare you deserve
We develop your advanced aftercare programme to speed up your recovery and protect your joint health for years to come. There is a multi-disciplinary approach to all parts of your aftercare, including input from dietitians and physiotherapists.
What is a Whipple procedure?
A Whipple procedure, or pancreaticoduodenectomy, is surgery to remove the head of the pancreas, part of the bile duct, the gallbladder, duodenum, and part of the stomach. It is performed using a single large incision (open surgery) in your abdomen.
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Whipple procedure is normally performed to treat cancer of the head of the pancreas, distal bile duct cancer, duodenal cancer and ampullary cancer. This surgery, followed by chemotherapy, is the best form of treatment for someone who is fit enough for surgery.
Once diagnosed your consultant and multi-disciplinary team will meet to decide whether you are suitable for surgery.
Once surgery has been agreed, you will need to have a fitness assessment to ensure that the procedure is safe and suitable for you.
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During Whipple procedure, the head of the pancreas, part of the bile duct, the gallbladder, the duodenum, and part of the stomach are removed. These parts are all connected, so they’re taken out together in a way that your surgeon can safely reconnect everything with a good blood supply.
The remaining pancreas, bile duct and stomach are then attached to the small bowel, allowing fluids from the pancreas, bile from the liver and food from the stomach to pass straight into the small intestine.
Tubes will be put into your abdomen to drain excess fluid, and your abdomen will be closed with dissolving sutures and glue.
Whipple procedure normally takes around 6 hours.
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After your Whipple procedure, you’ll stay in the hospital for around ten days. Initially, you’ll be in the intensive care unit, the best place for your safe recovery, where you’ll be monitored closely. You’ll be looked after around the clock by a multi-disciplinary team including intensive care doctors, surgeons, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, and dieticians. When you are well enough, you’ll be moved to a regular ward, and we’ll ensure you’re up and about and able to care for yourself before you leave the hospital.
After you leave the hospital, you’ll be closely monitored by your healthcare team for around six to eight weeks. During your recovery, the focus is to improve your diet and fitness, so you’re in the best possible position to start chemotherapy.
A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is likely to be one of the most difficult times in your life and considering treatment can be overwhelming. At Circle Health, we as a team will be here to guide you through the process, offering advice and support at every stage.
If you have any questions around your pancreatic cancer, distal bile duct cancer, duodenal cancer and ampullary cancer treatment or your options for a Whipple procedure, make an appointment with a consultant, or search your nearest Circle Health Group hospital. You can book online or give us a call.
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Key benefits of Whipple procedure include:
- The potential to prolong life and cure pancreatic cancer
- Relieves or reduces symptoms such as pain or blockage of the bile duct or stomach
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The Alexandra hospital is an internationally renowned hospital combining cutting-edge technology, leading experts in their field, and outstanding patient care.
We offer the latest diagnostic equipment, state-of-the art operating theatres and a wide range of services including orthopaedic surgery, spinal surgery, neurosurgery, cardiology, and cancer care, as well as a private walk-in centre and a private GP service.
The Alexandra Hospital, part of Circle Health Group
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Our excellent intensive care, and the availability of interventional radiology, allows us to perform Whipple procedure safely and effectively at The Alexandra Hospital.
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Our appointments offer you rapid access to a consultant of your choice. Simply pick from a broad range of times and see your chosen consultant quickly, usually within 48 hours. Consultations are usually in person, but we can provide remote appointments if needed.
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We have invested in some of the best, most up-to-date technology for fast diagnosis and bespoke treatment plans. This, combined with the compassion and expertise of our healthcare professionals, allows us to provide the exceptional standards of care you deserve.
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By road
From the South (Cheshire, Staffordshire) using the M6: Leave the M6 northbound at J19 and follow the signs for A556 Manchester Airport. Follow the A556 for around four miles until you reach the major roundabout junction with the M56. Follow the M56 Eastbound in the direction of Stockport and the airport.
*Continue past the airport exit, then turn off at J3 (follow the signs for M60 Southeast, Stockport) which eventually leads onto the M60. Take the exit at J1 signed A34 Manchester City Centre and Didsbury. Drive into the right-hand lane and turn right at the traffic lights by the Gateway pub onto Manchester Road.
The Alexandra Hospital is about 800 yards on the right.
From the North (Lancashire) using the M6: Follow the M6 Southbound towards Birmingham. Exit at J20a, follow the signs for the M56. Follow the M56 Eastbound in the direction of Stockport and Manchester Airport. Then follow the directions from* above.
By train
From Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, or Stockport railway stations, take a taxi or bus to the hospital. The nearest main railway station is Stockport. For further information, please contact train enquiries on 0845 748 4950.
By bus
For bus enquiries, please call 0871 200 2233.
Mill Lane, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2PX
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Book a consultation
Meet one of our leading experts by booking an appointment online, through live chat, or simply by giving us a call.
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Meet your consultant
Your first consultation is where your consultant will get to know you and decide on the best treatment option for you by assessing your symptoms, general health, and medical history. If Whipple procedure is a suitable treatment for you, your consultant will explain how to prepare for your surgery, any possible risks and complications, and what to expect during your recovery. Please feel free to ask any questions or discuss any concerns with your consultant during your appointment.
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Begin your treatment plan
Tailored to your needs, you will begin your individualised treatment plan devised by a multidisciplinary team of experts who fully understand your needs.
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Exceptional care for from start to finish
We are here to ensure your healthcare journey runs as seamlessly as possible – this includes advanced aftercare packages to support your recovery.
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Meet the expert
Mr Thomas Satyadas is a consultant general surgeon specialising in the surgical treatment of liver and pancreatic cancer, gallstones, and hernias.
After completing his surgical training in London, Mr Satyadas conducted surgical science research at the Royal Free University Hospital, London, before completing his specialist training at the liver and pancreas surgery (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) Unit in Cambridge.
He has obtained fellowships at the world-renowned European Pancreatic Cancer Centre in Heidelberg, the Liver Cancer Centre at the Virchow Klinikum in Berlin and the Liver and Pancreatic Cancer Unit at the University of Adelaide. Mr Satyadas has a special interest in advanced minimally invasive laparoscopic (key-hole) surgery techniques and is a director of laparoscopic surgery courses at the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
“Being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult times in your life. If you’re fit and the disease is operable, then having Whipple procedure followed by chemotherapy is the best treatment option for pancreatic cancer.”
The cost of the Whipple procedure
Prices vary depending on your individual needs.
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Initial consultations with a cardiologist at The Alexandra usually begin at £300. Treatment is tailored to your needs, meaning the cost of surgery can differ from person to person depending on how long they need to be in hospital, their aftercare programme, and other unique factors.
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The Whipple procedure at The Alexandra Hospital is £29,812, and the total price package is £36,708.
Your initial consultation usually begins at £250. Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant and outpatient appointment consultation fees are charged separately.
If you’re paying for yourself, our flexible payment options can help you spread the cost of your payment across a time that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.
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If you have private health insurance, your heart surgery will usually be covered by your provider. Speak to your insurer directly to find out.
Quality and safety is our priority
Our clinical excellence
Since January 2022 we have achieved:
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4,000+ hospital admissions
We have had more than 4000 hospital admission in the last 40 years
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98% of our patients
said that their overall experience with us was good or very good
98% of our patients
said the quality of their care was very good or excellent
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Multiple award-winning healthcare provider
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Private hospital group of the year
2021
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Private hospital group of the year
2022
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Private hospital group of the year
2023
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UK's leading hospital group
2022
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UK's top 30 big companies
2022
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Feedback and reviews
Hear what our patients have to say
We’ve helped more than 15 people with the Whipple procedure.Trusted by the UK's leading healthcare insurers
Circle Health Group works with all major private healthcare providers in the UK. Simply tell your provider which Circle hospital you’d like to have treatment with.
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