Pancreas

Pancreas center Rotterdam

The pancreas is an important organ for digestion and for the sugar regulation of the body. The pancreas is located behind the stomach, in the middle of the upper abdomen.

If you have a disorder of the pancreas, the Pancreas Center Rotterdam, which is part of the Erasmus MC, as the largest center in the Netherlands, can offer you the best options for diagnosis and treatment.

We are a center of expertise for pancreatic tumors and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Erasmus MC is also a center of expertise for pancreatitis. We work closely together during your treatment as a team consisting of surgeons, MDL physicians, (intervention) radiologists, oncologists, radiotherapists and endocrinologists.

If you have a disorder of the pancreas, your general practitioner or medical specialist will register you with us. You can also request a second opinion at our center yourself.

Various studies can determine the nature of a disease of the pancreas. You may have already had tests for your pancreas in another hospital. It is important that we receive these examinations and results from your specialist in order to be able to assess all the information. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat an examination or an additional examination in our hospital is necessary. Depending on the findings, a treatment may be suggested.

What can you expect if you are referred to us by your doctor because of a pancreatic disease?

  • Your details will be discussed with a team of specialists who all have extra expertise in the field of pancreatic disorders.
  • This team meets weekly to discuss the best treatment options for each patient
  • Within a week of the meeting, you will be introduced to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the pancreas.
  • The doctor will discuss the treatment proposal and the team's considerations with you
  • Sometimes new treatments are proposed as part of research. Such treatments will only take place if you wish and indicate that you are well informed.

Diagnostics for Pancreatic Disease

  • Blood test
  • Imaging examination, such as a CT scan or MRI scan
  • PET-CT scan
  • Visual examination of the bile ducts and the pancreatic duct (ERCP)
  • Biopsies of an abnormality in the pancreas via a viewing examination (endo-ultrasound/EUS)
  • Nutritional analysis by dietician

Most common pancreatic disorders

  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors
  • Pancreatic cysts
  • Pancreatitis
  • Tumors of the duodenum, Vater's papilla and the exit of the bile duct

Treatments

  • Operation
  • Chemo before and/or after surgery
  • Stereotactic Radiation
  • Placing a bile duct stent
  • Placing a stent in the duct of the pancreas