Diagnostic Center Unveiled at Worms Clinic
Worms Hospital's latest centre of excellence is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of liver, pancreas, and gallbladder diseases. The new centre provides state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches, ensuring personalised care for patients suffering from these complex conditions.
The diseases the centre focuses on include elevated liver enzymes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (MAFLD), liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, pancreatic cysts, and gallstones or bile duct diseases. For Prof. Zimmermann and his team, these diseases are common in clinical practice.
The centre offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic options, including ultrasonography, CT scans, MRI, and blood and stool tests. These advanced tools enable the early recognition of parasitic infections, biliary obstruction, and other complications in these organs.
Ultrasonography is particularly useful for detecting moving worms or structural abnormalities in the gallbladder, liver, or pancreas. CT and MRI imaging provide detailed visualisations of the internal anatomy, helping to identify ductal blockages or lesions caused by worms or chronic inflammation. Blood tests can detect raised eosinophil levels indicative of parasitic infection, while stool tests can find parasite eggs in ongoing intestinal infections.
In terms of treatment, the centre prioritises conservative medical management as the primary approach. Antiparasitic agents and intravenous antibiotics are often used as first-line treatment, especially in biliary ascariasis or related infections. Surgical interventions, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, are reserved for refractory or complicated cases, like persistent symptoms or obstruction due to dead worms.
One of the key surgical procedures offered is Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography (ERCP), a gentle method for the patient as it does not require surgical intervention. In this procedure, stones are removed using a small basket, and larger stones are first crushed.
The new centre also emphasises prevention and early detection for pancreas patients. If a malignant tumour develops in a pancreatic cyst, it can be detected early and removed surgically. This early detection is crucial, as stated by Senior Physician PD Dr. Johanna Vollmar.
Moreover, the centre utilises the FibroScan, a modern, painless, and non-invasive method to measure liver stiffness. This tool aids in the early detection and management of liver diseases.
With this integrated diagnostic and therapeutic approach, the new centre at Worms Hospital is well-equipped to manage complex liver, pancreas, and gallbladder diseases, particularly those caused by parasitic infections common in endemic regions.
The new centre at Worms Hospital incorporates ultrasonography, a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting moving worms and structural abnormalities in the pancreas, liver, or gallbladder. In terms of therapies and treatments, the centre focuses on medical-health and wellness approaches, such as the use of antiparasitic agents and intravenous antibiotics for the treatment of parasitic infections in the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Additionally, the centre provides a preventive focus, utilizing the FibroScan, a non-invasive method for the early detection of liver diseases, and early surgical detection for malignant tumors in pancreatic cysts to ensure better outcomes for patients suffering from medical-conditions related to these organs.
