Pancreatic cancer operations are frequently performed at Clarunis' certified pancreas centre: routinely and in a high percentage of cases completely robot-assisted, minimally invasive and tissue-sparing or, if necessary, open and with the appropriate expertise. Tumours that were initially classified by others as incurable can regularly be removed. If the tumour is completely removed, a normal life is possible.
Pancreatic cancer operations are frequently performed at the certified pancreatic cancer centre: With over 100 pancreatic operations in 2023, Clarunis is one of the largest centres for pancreatic surgery in Switzerland.
The operations are routinely and in a high percentage of cases completely minimally invasive, tissue-sparing and robot-assisted. The minimally invasive approach is gentler on the patient and causes less post-operative pain, enables a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than with conventional techniques.
Course of treatment
If pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, all patients are discussed at our interdisciplinary tumour board. Experts from all specialisms are represented on this board. (oncology, surgery, gastroenterology, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, radiology and pathology). A personalised treatment plan is drawn up for each patient. Treatments can consist of surgery, drug therapy, radiotherapy or regional procedures. Several of these therapies can also be combined in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Surgical treatment
The primary aim of surgery is the complete removal of the tumour and the regional lymphatic drainage area. In pancreatic cancer surgery, the head of the pancreas is removed. Its location in the centre of the body and its close proximity to the major vessels - the aorta, inferior vena cava, arteries and veins that supply the gastrointestinal tract and liver with blood - make pancreatic head resection particularly challenging.
The excellent quality of the operations at the Claraspital is guaranteed by the high number of cases (approx. 30/year), which are performed by a small number of experienced surgeons. Our complication rate is very low by international standards. The latter is reflected both in scientific studies and in positive patient feedback.
Oncological treatment
In addition to surgical treatment, effective chemotherapy is also available. In selected situations, these are also combined with radiotherapy.