Hi Christine,
Cleveland Clinic indeed had a great Endocrine Surgery Department and you do need a Endocrine Surgeon to perform this procedure. On this site there is a video of a surgeon performing the Whipple Procedure Laparoscopy at Mayo Clinic. Usually this does not really cut down on the surgery or recovery time as the Whipple is a very complicated surgery. Given the choice 4 years ago I would have definitely opted for the Laparoscopic Whipple Procedure. Cleveland Clinic has a very good reputation and I would feel comfortable with these surgeons for the Whipple Procedure. You have done your homework and know these physicians do several of the procedures a year and that is also very important. I wish you the best of luck and if you have any further concerns you can e-mail me directly linda@hagemanfoundation.org and I will reply. I would also call you if you send me your telephone number and we can chat on the phone.
Linda Hageman, RN
