Jupiter Medical Center First in the Region to Perform Robotic Whipple Procedure

Jupiter, FL – August 7, 2025 — Jupiter Medical Center (JMC), the region’s only independent, not-for-profit hospital, is again leading the way in robotic surgery, as the first from between Palm Beach and Orange Counties to offer a robotic option for the complex Whipple procedure. The procedure, also known as a pancreaticoduodenectomy, is used to treat pancreatic cancer, cysts, tumors, and pancreatitis, as well as other types of gastrointestinal tumors and cancers. The life-saving procedure involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder, and bile duct, reconstructing a large part of the gastrointestinal tract.

“Jupiter Medical Center continues to lead the way with our advanced surgical robotics program,” said Amit Rastogi, MD, MHCM, President and CEO of Jupiter Medical Center. “Since opening the Johnny and Terry Gray Surgical Institute in 2024, we’ve continued to advance our offerings to ensure that we are providing the best possible care for our patients, which includes an increase in access to the latest minimally invasive procedures.”

Jupiter Medical Center’s surgical robotics program is robust, spanning numerous specialties and offering the latest technology. Last year, JMC became one of the first hospitals in Florida to acquire the da Vinci 5, the most advanced surgical robot, which was used to perform the robotic Whipple procedure.

Dr. Shanel Bhagwandin, Medical Director Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology Program and Program Director of the National Pancreas Foundation recognized Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence at Jupiter Medical Center, performed the surgery. Dr. Bhagwandin is a highly sought-after leader in gastrointestinal surgeries, boasting the highest volume for liver, pancreas, gastric, and esophageal procedures in the region, both open and robotic.

“Gastrointestinal cancers, which include pancreatic cancer, are on the rise, especially in younger adults,” said Dr. Bhagwandin. “It is imperative that we continue to evolve our monitoring, detection, and treatment of these diseases to ensure that we can provide the best possible outcomes for our patients. The use of surgical robots to assist with complicated surgical procedures, such as the Whipple, has been associated with improved patient outcomes and accelerated patient healing, so that patients can more quickly get back to living.”

Dr. Bhagwandin’s first patients for the robotic Whipple experienced shorter hospital stays and were walking a mile within one week of the complex procedure.

For information about Jupiter Medical Center, visit jupitermed.com, call 561-263-2234, or follow Jupiter Medical Center on Facebook and Instagram @jupitermedicalcenter.

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ABOUT JUPITER MEDICAL CENTER
Rated #1 in the region for quality, safety and patient experience, Jupiter Medical Center is the leading destination for world-class health care in Palm Beach County and across the Treasure Coast. Jupiter Medical Center’s state-of-the-art facilities and leading-edge technologies enable its award-winning physicians to provide a comprehensive continuum of inpatient and outpatient health care services. Jupiter Medical Center’s specialty centers of excellence include: comprehensive cancer care, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, neurosciences, and women’s and children’s services. For more information about Jupiter Medical Center, please call 561-263-2234 or visit www.jupitermed.com.