Experts in Treating Pancreatic Disorders
Our Pancreas Care Center features an extensive team of globally recognized specialists who provide timely interventions and diagnoses, as well as effective therapies, including therapies for pain management.
Team-Based Approach to Care
Our multidisciplinary team takes a centralized, coordinated approach to care. It’s led by pediatric gastroenterologists and pediatric surgeons, and also includes physicians from pain management, endocrinology, oncology and radiology.
These experts work closely with genetic counselors, pain psychologists, dietitians, nurses and social workers to address patient needs. They also meet with families to discuss specific findings and individual treatment recommendations.
Specialized Treatment Options
Cincinnati Children’s is one of only a few institutions in the United States to deliver total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) for patients who experience debilitating chronic pancreatitis. Our pediatric TPIAT program helps patients as young as 3 years old, delivering personalized care that reflects each patient’s individual needs.
Our advanced endoscopists are among a select group of providers in the country who have extensive experience caring for children. They perform specialized diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Endoscopies are a less invasive option for diagnosing pediatric patients.
Raising the Bar on TPIAT Outcomes
Cincinnati Children’s has performed more than 100 successful TPIAT procedures—among the most in country—and achieved the following outcomes:
- Three months after surgery: More than 90% of patients no longer need pain medicine
- One year after surgery:
- 30% of patients no longer need insulin
- Half of patients need very low insulin coverage
- Only 20% of patients need full insulin coverage
In addition, our Pancreas Care Center lab, dedicated to TPIAT procedures, allows us to extract islet cells on-site, leading to benefits including:
- A higher quality of retrieved cells
- Faster recovery times
- Flexible scheduling options
- Less dependence on insulin following surgery
- Reduced operating times
Our compassionate approach to care, which combines personalized treatments with the latest in medical advancements, helps TPIAT patients return to their normal, childhood activities as quickly as possible.
Research That Enhances Clinical Care
Cincinnati Children’s is a leader in conducting research to better understand the underlying causes of pediatric pancreatic disorders. We maintain a patient registry and use the data to identify ways to standardize patient care protocols to minimize exposure to drugs, shorten hospital stays and improve treatment outcomes.
