Pancreatic Cancer Surgery — We Operate Where Others Won't
World-leading surgical expertise for complex pancreatic cases. Stage III/IV, post-chemotherapy, borderline resectable, vascular encasement — cases other surgeons decline.
600–800 operations/year · 0.8% mortality rate · 40+ countries · Response within 24 hours
Is This You?
Prof. Büchler’s patients frequently describe one or more of the following situations.
- You or a family member has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer
- You have been told the tumour is inoperable or borderline resectable
- You have completed chemotherapy cycles with limited or no effect
- You are seeking a second opinion from a world-leading specialist
- You need a surgical assessment before committing to a treatment plan
- You want access to pancreatic surgery expertise from 40+ countries
- You cannot travel immediately and need a remote assessment first
- You have been refused surgery elsewhere and want a specialist review
3,000+
Whipple procedures performed
0.8%
Mortality rate — among the lowest worldwide
ø 700
Pancreatic operations per year
40+
Years of specialist pancreatic surgery experience
Cases We Accept
Prof. Büchler regularly operates on patients with the following conditions — many of which are refused by other centres:
- Stage III and Stage IV pancreatic cancer — locally advanced cases assessed individually
- Borderline resectable tumours — involving or adjacent to major blood vessels
- Vascular encasement — portal vein or superior mesenteric artery involvement
- Post-chemotherapy cases — including patients who have completed multiple cycles
- Cancer recurrence after prior surgery
- Cases refused elsewhere — a refusal is not a final answer
- Newly diagnosed patients seeking the most experienced surgical team
- International patients requiring remote assessment before travel
How It Works
1. Submit Your Case
Fill out the form on this page. Include your diagnosis, existing scan reports, and a brief description of your current treatment status. Takes 5 minutes.
2. Expert Review Within 24 Hours
Prof. Büchler's team reviews your case. You receive a personal response with an initial assessment and clear next steps — within 24 hours.
3. Consultation & Surgical Plan
We schedule a detailed consultation — in person or remote — and develop a personalised surgical recommendation for your specific case.
Procedures Performed
Prof. Büchler performs the full spectrum of pancreatic surgery at the highest volume worldwide:
Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
The most complex operation in abdominal surgery. Prof. Büchler has performed over 3,000 Whipple procedures with a 0.8% mortality rate. His pylorus-preserving technique preserves digestive function while achieving complete tumour removal.
Distal Pancreatectomy
Removal of the body and tail of the pancreas, performed using minimally invasive and robotic approaches where appropriate.
Total Pancreatectomy
Complete removal of the pancreas for multifocal or extensive disease.
Vascular Reconstruction — The Heidelberg Triangle Technique
Resection and reconstruction of the portal vein or superior mesenteric artery — enabling surgery on tumours previously classified as inoperable due to vascular involvement. Prof. Büchler pioneered this technique.
Robotic Surgery
Minimally invasive robotic-assisted procedures for eligible patients, enabling faster recovery and reduced post-operative complications.
About Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Markus W. Büchler
Recognized globally as a pioneer in pancreatic surgery, Prof. Büchler has established worldwide treatment standards and trained surgeons across Europe and internationally. As Director of the Botton-Champalimaud Pancreatic Cancer Centre and former Chair of Surgical Oncology at the University of Heidelberg, he brings over 40 years of unparalleled surgical expertise to every case. He is the benchmark against which complex pancreatic surgery is measured worldwide.
We treat patients from over 40 countries. For international patients: remote case review and video consultation are available before any travel is required.
