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This page lists 7 whipple procedure doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
About Whipple Procedure doctors in Chennai, India
This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.
Whipple Procedure doctors
FeaturedDr. Arul Kumar S
MBBS, MS in General Surgery, Fellowship in HPB Surgery, Fellowship in Liver Transplantation
Associate Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India18+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 18+ years of experience in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon
- Associate Consultant, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and HPB Surgery, Rela Hospital, Chennai (Present)
- Training in HPB Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore (2014–2016)
Expertise & Procedures
- Live donor liver transplantation
- Deceased donor liver transplant
- Hilar cholangiocarcinoma resection
- Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- Complex liver resections
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon Experience: 18+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. Jasper Sandeep Rajasekar
MBBS, MS, MCh, MRCS
Associate Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India11+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 11+ years of experience in Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
- Associate Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Rela Hospital, Chennai — Present
- Liver Transplantation Unit Member, Rela Hospital, Chennai — 2016–Present
Expertise & Procedures
- Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT)
- Deceased donor liver transplantation
- Pediatric liver transplantation
- Hepatocellular carcinoma resection
- Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon Experience: 11+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. Kumar Palaniappan
MBBS, DNB General Surgery, DNB Surgical Gastroenterology, Fellowship in Liver Transplantation & HPB Surgery
Clinical Lead — Laparoscopy Liver Surgery, Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India20+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 20+ years of experience in Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
- Clinical Lead – Laparoscopy Liver Surgery, Senior Consultant Abdominal Trauma, HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Rela Hospital, Chennai – Present
- Senior Consultant Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
- Liver Transplantation (Living & Deceased Donor)
- Laparoscopic Liver Resection
- Hepatic Tumor Surgery
- Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- Gastrectomy
Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon Experience: 20+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. Prithiviraj Nabi
MBBS, MS General Surgery, MCh Surgical Gastroenterology, DNB Surgical Gastroenterology, FMAS, FALS, FACS
Associate Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India18+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 18+ years of experience in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgeon
- Associate Consultant, Surgical Gastroenterology, Rela Hospital, Chennai, Present
- Training fellowship, Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Paul Brousse Hospital, Paris, France
Expertise & Procedures
- Liver transplantation and graft assessment
- Liver tumor resection and hepatectomy
- Whipple procedure and pancreaticoduodenectomy
- Pancreatectomy and pancreatic reconstruction
- Laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgeon Experience: 18+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. Rajanikanth Patcha
MBBS, MS, MRCS, FRCS, DIP LAP, FEBS (Liver Tx), FEBS (HPB)
Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon
Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai, India22+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 22+ years of experience in HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon
- Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant, Institute of Liver Sciences, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai
- Senior Clinical Fellow and Research Fellow in Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Kings College Hospital, London — 6 years
Expertise & Procedures
- Living donor liver transplantation
- Cadaveric liver transplantation
- Pediatric liver transplantation
- Hepatic resection for tumors
- Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer
HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon Experience: 22+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles Global Health CityHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Dr. Rajesh Rajalingam
MBBS, MS in General Surgery, MCh in Gastrointestinal Surgery, Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Liver Transplantation
Clinical Lead — Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery · Specialty: Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India20+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 20+ years of experience in Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
- Clinical Lead — Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Rela Hospital, Chennai
- Senior Consultant — Liver Transplantation, Rela Hospital, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
- Liver transplantation (living and deceased donor)
- Donor hepatectomy
- Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- Hepatic resection for malignancy
- Portal vein reconstruction
Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon Experience: 20+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Prof. Mohamed Rela
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FRCS, DSc (Honoris causa)
Chairman & Managing Director — Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre Chennai, India44+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 44+ years of experience in Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
- Chairman & Managing Director, Surgical Gastroenterology, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai (2018–Present)
- Senior Consultant Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
- Liver transplant (deceased and living donor)
- Split liver transplantation
- Auxiliary liver transplantation
- Pancreatic transplant
- Multivisceral transplant
Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon Experience: 44+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Dr. Rela Institute & Medical CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Hospitals where these doctors practise
🇮🇳 Chennai, IndiaStarting from$10,000
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre
Est. 2018
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Whipple ProcedureLiver Transplant & HPBCardiac SurgeryCardiology
6+
Doctors for Whipple Procedure
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
🇮🇳 Parel, Mumbai, IndiaStarting from$10,000
Gleneagles Global Hospitals (Global Hospitals)
Est. 1996
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Whipple ProcedureLiver Transplant & HPBCardiac SurgeryOrthopedics
1+
Doctors for Whipple Procedure
4.6
183 reviews
450+
Beds
30+
Years Since Founded
Why consider treatment in India?
Many international patients consider India for pancreatic cancer treatment for several reasons, including:
More affordable estimates
Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.
Internationally accredited hospitals
Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.
Experienced specialists
Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.
Care coordination support
A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.
About the Procedure
What is Whipple Procedure?
The Whipple Procedure, also called pancreaticoduodenectomy, is a complex surgery that removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine (duodenum), gallbladder, and part of the bile duct, followed by reconstruction of the digestive tract. It is most commonly performed to treat pancreatic head cancer, ampullary or bile duct tumors, and select benign pancreatic conditions. India offers this surgery through highly experienced HPB (hepato-pancreato-biliary) surgical teams at a fraction of Western costs, with outcomes comparable to leading global centers.
Who may be considered?
Whipple Procedure may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.
How does it work?
The traditional approach performed through a single large abdominal incision, preferred for locally advanced tumors or complex anatomy requiring extensive vascular reconstruction.
2 approaches available for this procedure:
Open Whipple Procedure
Most CommonThe traditional approach performed through a single large abdominal incision, preferred for locally advanced tumors or complex anatomy requiring extensive vascular reconstruction.
Comprehensive Investigations
Estimated cost: $400 - $900
CT scan (triple-phase pancreatic protocol), MRI/MRCP, CA 19-9 tumor marker, CBC, liver function tests, kidney function tests, coagulation profile, ECG, endoscopic ultrasound with biopsy if needed
Treatment / Procedure Estimate
Estimated cost in India: $10,000 - $14,500
Stay in India
Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~3-4 days
Hospitalisation: ~12-14 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~25-30 days recommended
Total stay: approx 30-35 days
Usually Included in Hospital Package
- Pre-surgical consultations with HPB surgical team
- Surgery, anesthesia and operating room charges
- ICU stay and standard hospital room
- Nursing care and standard post-op medications
- Follow-up consultation before discharge
Usually Not Included
- International/domestic flight tickets
- Visa and travel insurance
- Accommodation for attendant/companion
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy post-surgery
- Extended ICU stay due to complications
Recovery and follow-up
Patients typically resume a soft diet within a week and gradually return to normal activity over 4-6 weeks, with regular follow-up to monitor digestion, blood sugar control, and wound healing. Long-term follow-up with oncology may be required depending on the underlying diagnosis.
Risks
As a major abdominal surgery, risks include pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, bleeding, infection, and bile leakage, requiring careful monitoring in a specialized HPB center. Diabetes and digestive enzyme insufficiency may develop post-surgery and require lifelong management.
Alternatives
Depending on tumor stage and patient fitness, alternatives may include neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by reassessment for surgery, palliative biliary/duodenal stenting, or definitive chemoradiotherapy for unresectable cases. A multidisciplinary tumor board evaluation is essential before finalizing the treatment plan.
What we need to prepare a formal estimate
Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.
Reports required
- Contrast-enhanced CT scan of abdomen (pancreatic protocol)
- MRI/MRCP of abdomen if available
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) report with biopsy results if done
- CA 19-9 and CEA tumor marker reports
- Liver function and kidney function test reports
- Complete blood count (CBC) and coagulation profile
- Cardiology clearance/ECG report
- Recent discharge summary or oncologist consultation notes
Patient information needed
- Current weight, height and performance/functional status
- History of jaundice, weight loss, or abdominal pain
- Existing diabetes, hypertension, or cardiac conditions
- Details of any prior abdominal surgeries
- Current medications including blood thinners
- Nutritional status and any recent stent placement (biliary/pancreatic)
- Smoking, alcohol use, and allergy history
- Availability of a caregiver/attendant during hospital stay
Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.
How this directory is built
Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Whipple Procedure) and procedure (Whipple Procedure) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.
Need help with the next step?
Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.
Common questions
FAQs about Whipple Procedure in Chennai, India
What is Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy that originates in the cells of the pancreas, most commonly in the ducts that carry digestive enzymes. Because it rarely causes obvious symptoms in its early stages, it is frequently detected only after it has reached a locally advanced or metastatic stage.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Pancreatic Cancer?
Common presentations include persistent upper abdominal or back pain, unexplained weight loss, new-onset or worsening diabetes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, often accompanied by dark urine and pale stools when the bile duct is obstructed), and loss of appetite or fatigue. Less specific signs such as nausea, changes in stool consistency, or a new blood-clot event can also occur. These symptoms overlap with many other conditions, so experiencing them does not confirm a diagnosis — a structured clinical and radiological assessment is required.
How is Pancreatic Cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with cross-sectional imaging, most commonly a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and chest, which helps define the size and location of the tumour and whether it involves major blood vessels (a key factor in determining resectability). MRI or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) may be used for additional detail or to obtain a tissue biopsy, and PET-CT is sometimes performed to detect distant spread. The serum tumour marker CA 19-9 can support clinical decision-making but is not diagnostic on its own; staging follows the TNM system and places tumours into categories — resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced, or metastatic — that directly shape treatment planning.
How is Pancreatic Cancer treated?
The appropriate treatment pathway depends on tumour stage, the patient's overall health, and whether the cancer involves critical vascular structures. Surgical resection — such as a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) for tumours in the head of the pancreas, or a distal pancreatectomy for body and tail tumours — offers the best chance of long-term disease control when the cancer is confined and technically removable. For cancers that cannot be removed surgically, options include chemotherapy regimens (such as FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based combinations), radiation-based approaches including Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), or a combination of these; all treatment decisions should be made by a multidisciplinary team based on individual assessment.
Can Pancreatic Cancer be treated without a procedure?
Many patients with pancreatic cancer — particularly those with locally advanced or metastatic disease, or those whose overall health makes surgery high-risk — are managed with systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy (where a specific mutation such as BRCA is present), or immunotherapy within a clinical trial. SBRT can be used to treat tumours that are locally advanced but not amenable to surgery, either as a primary approach or to downstage the tumour before reassessing surgical eligibility. Supportive and palliative care — including pain management, nutritional support, and enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic insufficiency — is an important part of care at every stage and is not a lesser alternative; it runs alongside active treatment or, when appropriate, becomes the primary focus.
When is Whipple Procedure considered for Pancreatic Cancer?
Whipple Procedure may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is typically evaluated and managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes a surgical gastroenterologist or hepatopancreato-biliary (HPB) surgeon, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist. Gastroenterologists with expertise in endoscopic ultrasound often play a key role in diagnosis and staging.
How do I choose a doctor for Pancreatic Cancer?
When comparing providers, look for a surgeon or centre with documented experience in complex pancreatic operations (including high-volume Whipple procedures), access to a formal multidisciplinary tumour board, and the ability to coordinate chemotherapy and radiation as part of an integrated plan. Clarity on post-operative follow-up, surveillance imaging schedules, and access to palliative or supportive care services is equally important to ask about.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.