Validation of radiolabelled exendin for beta cell imaging by ex vivo autoradiography and immunohistochemistry of human pancreas.

Background: Estimation of beta cell mass is currently restricted to evaluating pancreatic tissue samples, which provides limited information. A non-invasive imaging technique that reliably quantifies beta cell mass enables monitoring of changes of beta cell mass during the progression of diabetes mellitus and may contribute to monitoring of therapy effectiveness. We assessed the specificity of radiolabelled exendin for beta cell mass quantification in humans.

Roles of general practitioners in shared decision-making for patients with cancer: A qualitative study.

Objective: The shared decision-making (SDM) process for the treatment of pancreatic and oesophageal cancer primarily takes place with healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the hospital setting. This study aims to explore the perspectives of general practitioners (GPs) on their possible roles during this SDM process, their added value and their requirements for involvement in SDM.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 GPs about their views on SDM for patients with cancer.

Preoperative radiochemotherapy versus immediate surgery for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (PREOPANC trial): study protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Background: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth largest cause of cancer death in the United States and Europe with over 100,000 deaths per year in Europe alone. The overall 5-year survival ranges from 2-7 % and has hardly improved over the last two decades. Approximately 15 % of all patients have resectable disease at diagnosis, and of those, only a subgroup has a resectable tumour at surgical exploration.

Ileal pouch anal anastomosis with close rectal dissection using automated vessel sealers for ulcerative colitis: a promising alternative.

Background: Despite decennia of experience, ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis is still associated with high complication rates. The development of automatic vessel sealers has resulted in the revival of a promising surgical alternative to the conventional procedure: close rectal dissection. By preserving the mesorectal layer it is hypothesized that nerve-related and other postoperative complications can be reduced.

Management of acute pancreatitis in the intensive care unit.

Acute pancreatitis is a disease with a variety of symptoms. In patients in whom the disease takes a more severe course, stabilization is mandatory, often in a high dependency unit or intensive care unit. When the pancreatitis is of biliary origin and cholangitis and cholestatic changes are proven or suspected, an endoscopic cholangiopancreaticography is indicated.