Interdisciplinary Centers Certified Pancreas Centre

From diagnosis to therapy

Ultra-modern diagnostics

• Computer tomography (CT)
• Magnet resonance tomography (MRT and simultaneous MRCP)
• Positrons-emissions-tomography (PET)
• Sonography and endosonography

Interventional therapy

• Endoscopic biopsies
• Endoscopic stenting
• Radiological interventional stenting (PTCD)

Oncologic surgical spectrum

• Classic pancreaticoduodenectomy according to Kausch-Whipple
• Pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy
• Pancreatectomy, conventionally and minimally invasive
• Segmental pancreatectomy
• Duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (benign disease)

Conservative therapy procedures (ambulatory and stationary)

• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Standardized pain therapy
• Nutrition and physiotherapy
• Psycho-oncological concepts
• Palliative care

Individual operation planning and clarification
Individual operation planning allows for optimal therapy. For the radical removal of pancreatic carcinomas, all modern surgery procedures up to the partial removal of large abdominal vessels are available. Through close collaboration with anaesthesia and intensive care medicine and the use of standardized pain therapy, the length of stay in intensive care is usually less than 24 hours. So-called fast-track concepts allow for rapid mobilization after surgery under physiotherapeutic guidance and an immediate return to normal diet.

Histological examination
The microscopic examination of tissue samples as well as of the surgical specimen specifies the right treatment path.

Tumour conference
The case of any patient with pancreatic carcinoma will be discussed before and after surgery in the multidisciplinary tumour conference, held once a week with the participation of all disciplines. This way, an optimal treatment approach may be individually determined for each patient.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are individually tailored to each patient, based on guidelines. In the case of non-removable primary tumours, so-called neo-adjuvant (pre-surgery) chemotherapy and radiotherapy concepts are applied, in order to proceed to operation after a possible tumour reduction.

See the person as a whole: psycho-oncological care
The diagnosis of cancer for patients and relatives poses an extreme burden. Existential anxiety, worry and despair may appear. Hospitalization, treatments and possible side effects are experienced as stressful. Also in follow-up, questions arise as to what to do next and how life goes on after the disease. All patients can get consultation and support from the psycho-oncology team. Together, individual goals are defined.

Studies
To improve the treatment of patients with pancreatic carcinoma, the Pancreas Centre at St. Catherine’s Hospital - Stuttgart Hospital is involved in national and international studies in which patients may participate, if desired.

Quality
The Pancreatic Cancer Centre at St. Catherine Hospital is certified according to the Quality Management System DIN EN ISO 9001:2008 and according to the criteria of the German Cancer Society e.V., and also as a “Competence Centre for surgical diseases of the pancreas,” according to the criteria of the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV). That renders it the second centre nation-wide to have successfully passed both certifications. The resulting quality is also regularly inspected internally and externally in collaboration with the oncology focus of Stuttgart (OSP).

Tuesday and Thursday 15.30 - 17.00

To arrange an appointment:
Telephone +49(0)711 278-33401
Telefax +49(0)711 278-33409
E-Mail k.feilhauer@klinikum-stuttgart.de