Why Choose Methodist Dallas for Pancreatic Care
Why Choose Methodist for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Nationally recognized, patient focused, life-giving options for pancreatic cancer patients
At Methodist Dallas, we consider it a privilege to partner with you and
your loved ones, offering nationally recognized pancreatic cancer treatment
with compassion and a commitment to supporting you through every stage
of your cancer journey.
Certified by The Joint Commission for Pancreatic Surgery and Pancreatic Cancer
Methodist Dallas Medical Center is the first hospital in the nation awarded certification by The Joint Commission for pancreatic surgery and the first in Texas awarded certification for pancreatic cancer.
To earn this distinction, the Methodist Pancreatic Program met strict criteria, including demonstrating a track record of positive outcomes to heal patients and help them lead a better quality of life after pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
Experience
- At Methodist Dallas, the pancreatic care team treats for more than 100 pancreatic cancer patients each year, performing approximately 120 pancreatic surgeries, including 60 Whipple procedures.
Nationally recognized for robotic Whipple surgery
In 2014, Methodist Dallas became the first hospital in North Texas —
and one of few facilities in the nation — to offer the
robotic Whipple procedure (in medical terms, a pancreaticoduodenectomy) and liver resection. Performed
with the da Vinci® Surgical System, this minimally invasive alternative
to the traditional open Whipple procedure offers patients less pain, lower
risk of infection, and most important, a faster recovery. The result:
They are able to continue with additional treatments faster, increasing
their chances of becoming cancer-free.
In September 2014, Alejandro Mejia, MD, FACS was designated an epicenter surgeon by Intuitive Surgical (Intiutive is the maker of the da Vinci Surgical System). This is the first hepatobiliary-focused general surgery robotic epicenter designated by the company. Methodist Dallas serves as a teaching hospital for surgeons from around the world.
In addition to the robotic and traditional Whipple and liver resection procedures, Methodist Dallas also offers:
- Distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy surgery
- Total pancreatectomy surgery
- Pancreas transplant and pancreas-after-kidney transplant. (Methodist Dallas is also home to the world’s first heart-kidney-pancreas transplant.)
Pancreatic care team
From diagnosis and testing to pancreatic cancer treatment – whether surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination – to post-treatment counseling and support, including diet and lifestyle recommendations, the multidisciplinary pancreatic care team at Methodist works together to develop and execute a comprehensive care plan.
This team approach to care for pancreatic cancer begins with the coordinated efforts of a highly trained, independently practicing medical staff who have years of experience in treating complex pancreatic cancer cases including, – surgeons, pathologists, gastroenterologists, and oncologists. Throughout your care, a nurse navigator will work with you and your family to discuss your case and treatment options and to guide you through the information and decisions that need to be made regarding treatment.
Pancreatic cancer resources at Methodist Dallas
During a patient’s diagnosis and treatment for pancreatic cancer at Methodist Dallas, the clinical nurse navigator will help guide the patient and family through treatment and will be available to answer questions about pancreatic cancer treatment options at Methodist, including Whipple surgery, preparation mentally and physically for cancer treatment and follow-up care, including diet and nutrition,
Resources available for pancreatic cancer patients and their families at Methodist Dallas include:
- Dedicated nurse navigator services
- Pain management
- Monthly pancreatic cancer support group
- Diet and nutrition counseling from a registered dietitian
- Exercise and fitness tips
- Literature and information about pancreatic cancer post-diagnosis
- Access to research about pancreatic cancer
- Access to American Cancer Society information
- Caregiver support
- Annual pancreatic cancer survivors celebration
- Participation in the annual Purple-Stride Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Walk
- Genetic testing
- Palliative care and support
Contact the Pancreatic Cancer Program at Methodist Dallas
For more information about pancreatic cancer treatment options and pancreatic
cancer resources at Methodist Dallas Medical Center,
call
(214) 933-6601
Information contained on these pages has been gathered from independent sources and is for informational use only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice and information provided by your health care provider. Any decision you make regarding your health care options should be made after consulting a qualified physician.
Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Health System.
Sources:
American Cancer Society
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Staywell Health Library