Eric Nakakura

MD PhD

Gastrointestinal cancer surgeon

Dr. Eric Nakakura is a cancer surgeon who specializes in tumors of the liver, pancreas, bile ducts and gastrointestinal tract. He also treats soft tissue sarcomas, including tumors of the retroperitoneum (a space in the abdominal cavity), trunk and extremities. At the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, he helps manage complex gastrointestinal tract cancers, soft tissue sarcomas and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors, including carcinoid and islet cell tumors.

In his research, Nakakura studies endocrine differentiation in gastrointestinal tumors.

Nakakura earned his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine. He earned a doctorate in cellular and molecular medicine at Johns Hopkins University. He completed a residency in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine and received advanced training in surgery at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, England. At Johns Hopkins, he completed a fellowship in surgical oncology with an emphasis on pancreatic, biliary and gastrointestinal surgery.

  • Education

    Stanford School of Medicine, 1995

  • Residencies

    Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Surgery, 2003

  • Fellowships

    Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Surgical Oncology, 2004

  • Board Certifications

    Surgery, American Board of Surgery

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (4)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    261 Ratings
    About our process
    Feb 11, 2023
    Comfortable with doctor. Very pleased with care I have been given
    Jan 30, 2023
    Dr. Nakakura is an outstanding Physician
    Jan 19, 2023
    One of the best doctors out there.
    Jan 13, 2023
    Dr Nakakura was fantastic. He inspired hope while also being very realistic. It was the perfect combination of what my wife and I needed.
    Jan 07, 2023
    I thought he didn't show empathy kindness or care for my condition. He was defensive when I reminded him that He said I would be 100% cured after 3 months. Later he said good nutrition would help my pancreas heal. I asked him what good nutrition was and he said he's not a nutritionist. So I was left wondering what I could do to help my body heal.
    Jan 06, 2023
    Very good experience
    Dec 22, 2022
    Dr.Nakakura is the best. Really really like him
    Dec 18, 2022
    I was disappointed that the doctor had not looked at recent Petscan and oncologist report before connecting for the call.
    Dec 01, 2022
    Outstanding and compassionate and positive
    Nov 14, 2022
    Very knowledgeable professional.
    Nov 10, 2022
    Questions posed by me were completely answered; some future plans for post-surgery were discussed.
    Nov 09, 2022
    Dr. Nakakura didn't really address follow up care other than that I would likely stay 5 days more or less in the hospital after the surgery. Or at least I don't recall any such discussion - I was a little stunned by the cancer diagnosis and being told I would lose a kidney along with an 8-10 lb. Tumor mass so my memory may not be complete.
    Nov 03, 2022
    The physician recommended surgery. When I asked who would be scheduling it and added I had tremendous difficulty contacting that person in the past he said I could send a message through my chart. I will try that since the problem continues but it would be helpful if the team members were identified in the chart.
    Oct 08, 2022
    Dr Nakakura has always treated me with a high degree of respect and compassion.
    Oct 07, 2022
    This surgeon came highly recommended by 2 specialist in our area where we live.
    Oct 06, 2022
    The Dr was very kind and explained everything
    Sep 03, 2022
    Dr. Nakakura is one of the finest surgeons you could have on staff. He is superb in his field. He has been my surgeon before and I could not ask for a more competent caring surgeon. I am so fortunate to be in the care of UCSF. Thank you!
    Sep 01, 2022
    Good experience
    Sep 01, 2022
    I mostly appreciate this doctor's care for so many years. Thank you.
    Jul 15, 2022
    Bad because I didn't receive a call but the nurse said they called me at the appointment date.
    Jun 15, 2022
    Dr. Nakakura has a rather formal persona which is OK for what he is providing me (a second opinion plus additional information via the MRIs). He is concise and brief in his explanations and recommendations but is always open to any questions that I may have.
    Jun 10, 2022
    This entire surgical team was most excellent
    Jun 09, 2022
    Good
    Jun 08, 2022
    Dr. Nakakura is wonderful but I find myself wishing there was another person helping with my post-op care and return to wellness that is more holistic - detailed coaching on how to think about pain management physicality therapy immune impacts of spleen removal etc.
    May 03, 2022
    Not having a crystal ball to see the future makes it tough to be exact with one's treatment and surgerybut the different situations were discussed to help ease my worries
    Mar 31, 2022
    Dr. Nakakura did not want to give us ANY recommendations about my care and future treatments. He started out by telling me that my tumor would come back regardless of treatment. Not a very reassuring way to start the conversation. He also refused to give us an opinion on any recommended treatment. He wanted me to tell him - this was very disconcerting and off-putting.
    Mar 30, 2022
    I was told only to use pain pills if I need it.
    Feb 25, 2022
    The doctor listened to my concern & clarified how the surgical Incisions would be made. I told him I thought I would get a horizontal incision but he said NO. He told me & explained that I will get a vertical incision. I will now be prepared for a slower recovery at home as he told me how he will do the surgical repair.
    Jan 13, 2022
    Good
    Dec 23, 2021
    Very Good!
    Nov 27, 2021
    This was a second opinion and the information and recommendation were valuable.
    Nov 11, 2021
    Everything was done well. Other facilities should see how UCSF operates their facility
    Oct 26, 2021
    When I left the appointment I was very satisfied.
    Oct 01, 2021
    Good
    Jul 08, 2021
    Dr. Nakakura is my HERO!
    Jun 18, 2021
    Provider was caring and courteous and gave excellent explanations about my medical condition.
    May 20, 2021
    good
    Apr 22, 2021
    he is a excellent doctor
    Apr 22, 2021
    I am very satisfied with my Health Care Providers.

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