Our services

Visceral surgery focuses on diseases of the abdominal organs. Our specialty lies in upper-GI and esophageal surgery using state-of-the-art minimally invasive and robotic techniques.

Esophageal Diseases

The esophagus is a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Esophageal diseases can significantly impair quality of life and often require specialized surgical treatment.

Esophageal Cancer (Esophageal Carcinoma)

Esophageal cancer is among the most aggressive malignancies and requires rapid, multimodal treatment. Two main types exist: squamous cell carcinoma (typically in the upper and middle third) and adenocarcinoma (usually in the lower third, often as a consequence of long-standing reflux disease).

Treatment: Surgical removal of the esophagus (esophagectomy), combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, represents the cornerstone of treatment. Modern minimally invasive and robotic techniques enable more precise interventions with shorter recovery times and improved functional outcomes.

Reflux Disease (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease – GERD)

In reflux disease, acidic stomach contents or bile flow back into the esophagus, damaging the sensitive mucosa. Typical symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, chronic cough, and hoarseness.

Treatment: In addition to medical therapy, surgical treatment via fundoplication (wrapping of the gastric fundus) may be beneficial in therapy-resistant cases. This procedure is preferably performed using minimally invasive or robotic techniques.

Barrett's Esophagus

Barrett's esophagus develops as a consequence of chronic reflux disease, where the esophageal lining undergoes cellular changes. This condition is considered precancerous and significantly increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Treatment: Regular endoscopic surveillance is essential. In cases of high-grade dysplasia, endoscopic resection or, in advanced cases, esophagectomy may be necessary.

Achalasia

Achalasia is a motility disorder of the esophagus where the lower sphincter fails to relax adequately. This leads to difficulty swallowing, chest pain, and regurgitation of food.

Treatment: Heller myotomy (division of the muscle at the lower esophageal sphincter), often combined with an anti-reflux procedure, is preferably performed robotically and offers excellent long-term results.

Hiatal Hernia (Diaphragmatic Hernia)

A hiatal hernia occurs when portions of the stomach slide through a weakness in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This can lead to reflux, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications.

Treatment: Surgical repair includes repositioning of the stomach and closure of the diaphragmatic defect, often with mesh reinforcement. Minimally invasive and robotic techniques enable precise reconstruction with low complication rates.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is among the most common cancers in Western countries. Regular screening examinations (colonoscopy) enable early detection and, in many cases, prevention through removal of precancerous polyps.

Treatment: Therapy depends on disease stage and includes surgical resection, endoscopic procedures, radiation therapy, and modern systemic therapies. Individualized treatment concepts tailored to tumor type, stage, and patient situation significantly improve cure rates and quality of life.

Diverticular Disease of the Colon

Diverticula are outpouchings of the intestinal wall, occurring particularly frequently in the left lower colon (sigmoid). Inflammation of these diverticula (diverticulitis) can cause significant symptoms and complications.

Treatment: The therapeutic spectrum ranges from conservative medical approaches and interventional procedures to surgical bowel resection in recurrent or complicated cases.

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis)

Gallstones form through deposits in bile and can cause acute or chronic symptoms, including colic, inflammation, and jaundice.

Treatment: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) is the gold standard and is performed as a minimally invasive procedure with rapid recovery.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

This group includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis – chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. Treatment is primarily medical, managed by gastroenterologists.

Treatment: In cases of complications such as strictures, fistulas, abscesses, or therapy-refractory courses, surgical intervention by specialized visceral surgeons is required.

Liver Diseases

The liver is the central metabolic organ with important detoxification functions. Surgical interventions on the liver require the highest expertise and become necessary for benign and malignant tumors, metastases, and other structural liver diseases.

Treatment: Liver resections are increasingly performed minimally invasively. The liver's high regenerative capacity enables even extensive resections with good postoperative recovery.

Pancreatic Diseases

Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly aggressive malignancy often diagnosed late. Early detection is crucial for prognosis.

Treatment: Pancreatic resection, particularly the Whipple procedure for tumors in the pancreatic head, is a complex operation that may include removal of portions of the pancreas, duodenum, stomach, gallbladder, and bile duct.

Chronic Pancreatitis and Cysts

Chronic inflammation of the pancreas and cysts can cause significant symptoms and complications, requiring surgical therapy in selected cases.

Hernias (Abdominal Wall Defects)

Hernias are protrusions of tissue (usually intestinal loops) through weak points in the abdominal wall. The most common forms are:

• Inguinal hernia

• Umbilical hernia

• Femoral hernia

• Incisional hernia – following previous surgery

Symptoms: Visible protrusion, pain with exertion, occasional digestive complaints

Treatment:

• Open hernia repair: Direct access with suture closure or mesh reinforcement

• Laparoscopic/robotic hernia repair: Minimally invasive with shorter recovery time, less pain, and better cosmetic results

Timely surgical repair prevents complications such as incarceration or tissue necrosis (strangulation).

We preferably perform all procedures minimally invasively or robot-assisted to provide you with gentle treatment and rapid recovery.