Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center Faculty / Medical Staff >

The Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center is staffed by a team of board certified doctors from the departments of gastrointestinal surgery, gastroenterology, hematology and oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, pathology, and laboratory medicine. The professors of the Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center perform clinical and basic research to provide accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. Our faculty also participate in the global project of treating pancreatobiliary cancer joint research with domestic and foreign cancer centers.

Major areas of treatment

Specialties: Pancreatic cancer, gallbladder cancer, metastatic liver cancer, ampulla of Vater cancer, biliary cancer (intrahepatic, perihilar and distal), precancerous lesions of the pancreas and biliary duct (including pancreatic cysts/biliary stenosis/gallbladder polyps)

Strengths

Even though it is hard to diagnose pancreatobiliary lesions, we provide accurate pathologic diagnosis through up-to-date diagnostic equipment:

  • Abdominal CT
  • Abdominal MRI
  • Positron emission tomography
  • Retrograde cholangiopancreatography and cholangioscopy
  • Endoscopic ultrasonography
  • Contrast enhanced sonography guided biopsy

We have also shown excellent treatment results for various diseases, including pancreatobiliary cancer.

  • 5-year post-surgical survival rate for perihilar biliary cancer was 36.7% between 1995 and 2011
  • 5-year post surgical survival rate for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma rose from 12.5% (1995-2004) to 27.9% between 2005 and2011.

Diagnostic methods

Pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose at an early stage, and choosing an appropriate treatment method after diagnosis is very important for prognosis. Rapid diagnosis and treatment is possible thanks to collaboration between experts from various fields related to the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
First, doctors conduct radiologic tests depending on the patient’s symptoms, physical examination, or prior testing. Based on the radiology test results, we either observe the patient’s condition or order more detailed testing, which may include biopsy. All patient information is then considered comprehensively to make an appropriate diagnosis.

Latest treatment methods

We treat cancer through surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, and endoscopic therapy. For the treatment of pancreatobiliary diseases, we have exceptional personnel, skills, and equipment to improve the welfare of patients not only when curing cancer through surgical intervention, but also when administering palliative treatment to improve patients’ symptoms and quality of life. We provide safe, effective treatment through minimally invasive surgery, customized drug therapy, world-class radiotherapy, retrograde cholangiopancreatography as well as excellent drainage procedures using endoscopic ultrasonography.

Recent trends in clinical research

We are conducting studies to help diagnose early pancreatic cancer, including identifying high-risk groups and tumor markers, developing accurate radiologic tests, and the establishing more accurate biopsy methods. We are currently performing studies to increase the efficacy of surgical excision, expand the application of various chemotherapies and radiotherapies, and improve genetic studies for customized treatment.

Other resources

The Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center conducts clinical and basic research, which gets reported during major medical seminars held domestically and internationally as well as in medical journals. We also participate in joint research projects with domestic and international cancer centers.

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Patients' Rights and Responsibilities

Patients' Rights

1. Right to receive medical care

Patients have the right to receive proper care in a safe setting without discrimination nor should their right to care be violated regardless of their gender, age, religion, social status, nationality, language, race, or physical/mental/financial status. Medical teams shall not refuse to provide care without justifiable reason.

2. Right to be informed and to make an autonomous decision

Patients have the right to obtain full and complete information from their medical team, to ask questions, and to determine their agreement or refusal concerning: diagnosis, treatment (purpose, plans and methods), outcomes of care (including unanticipated outcomes), discharge plan, participation in medical research studies, organ transplantation/donation, etc. Within ethical boundaries, patients may discontinue or refuse treatment, request that the medical team explain and suggest alternative treatments, and reserve the right to make their own decisions.

3. Right to confidentiality

Patients' rights to confidentiality regarding their physical/health status and privacy will not be violated. Patients can expect that all medical records/reports and their personal privacy will be kept confidential unless the patient has given consent or disclosure is permitted by law. To ensure their privacy, patients may be informed that Individuals not directly involved in their care may not be present and that the number of guardians accompanying patients to consultation rooms may be limited.

4. Right to request consultation and mediation

In the event of a medical dispute, patients may request consultation and mediation from an internal or external agency (Korea Consumer Agency, Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency).

5. Right to have values and beliefs respected

Patients will not be discriminated against because of their culture, religious values, or beliefs, and their rights will not be violated.

6. Right to receive care in a safe setting

Patients have the right to receive hospital-provided care where the patient’s medical information is protected and patient safety can be assured. In addition, patients have the right to be protected from possible dangers that can occur in a hospital and to have stability of mind and body.

Patients' Responsibilities

1. Responsibility to trust and respect the medical team

Patients must accurately inform the medical team of their health condition and must trust and respect the medical team's treatment plan. Patients may be responsible for consequences that result from not following instructions.

2. Responsibility to not use dishonest methods for medical treatment

Patients must reveal their identity before receiving any medical care and must not use false or dishonest methods, such as seeking medical care under disguised ownership.

3. Responsibility to abide by all hospital regulations

Patients are expected to treat all hospital staff and other patients with courtesy and respect; to abide by all hospital rules; and to earnestly fulfill their financial obligation to the hospital. Also, patients and their family members are expected to participate in all safety regulations.