Joost Klaase

Professor Joost Klaase is a full Professor of Surgery at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, and works at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He is affiliated with the Groningen Institute for Organ Transplantation (GIOT) and the Value, Affordability and Sustainability (VALUE) research program. His clinical and research focus centers on Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery and surgical oncology, with particular expertise in prehabilitation protocols for patients undergoing complex abdominal cancer surgery.

Professor Klaase's research interests primarily focus on prehabilitation (preoperative rehabilitation) for surgical patients, especially those undergoing pancreatic and colorectal cancer surgery. His work investigates how physical exercise programs before surgery can improve patient fitness and reduce postoperative complications, which occur in approximately 30% of patients after complex abdominal cancer surgery. His research spans HPB surgery, minimally invasive techniques, colorectal surgery, and transplant surgery, with an emphasis on optimizing perioperative care for vulnerable patient populations. He has contributed to Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being through his work on improving surgical outcomes and patient recovery.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on home-based prehabilitation programs for pancreatic and colorectal surgery patients, digital health interventions (e-coaching) to support surgical patients, and optimizing treatment protocols for colorectal liver metastases. The research demonstrates a multidisciplinary approach integrating exercise physiology, surgical oncology, digital health technologies, and patient-centered care models. His work frequently appears in high-impact surgical and oncology journals including European Journal of Surgical Oncology, JAMA Oncology, and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.

Professor Klaase actively supervises numerous research projects and students, with recent publications featuring multiple first-author contributions from junior researchers. He leads several major research initiatives including the PREHAB-poli focus project within GLIM UMCG and serves as Chairman of the MCN HPB Surgery committee for North-East Netherlands. His work has attracted significant attention, with media coverage in Dutch news outlets and social media platforms.

He holds leadership positions in multiple national and international surgical organizations, including serving as President of the Dutch chapter of the International and European Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, member of the Steering Committee for Prehabilitation in Solid Organ Transplantation (ESOT), and chair of the PREHAB-poli focus project within GLIM UMCG. His institutional roles include membership on the Scientific Council of DHBA, the Audit Working Group of NVvH, and the Expert Panel for Colorectal Liver Metastases.