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Dear Patients,

We welcome you to the practice ZWEICHIRURGEN at our two locations directly on the Rhine in the heart of Basel and in the old town of Liestal. ZWEICHIRURGEN was founded in October 2018 by the two surgeons Prof. Philipp Kirchhoff and PD Henry Hoffmann. Our concept is based on taking the time to hear your questions and problems and then creating a treatment strategy based on a comprehensive understanding of your individual needs. We will coordinate a seamless first consultation in our office and if necessary a hassle free short hospital stay in one of the top private clinics in Switzerland. In addition, we keep your general practitioner informed and updated on the outcome of your time under our care.

We offer our many years of surgical experience where we specialized on cutting edge treatments for all types of hernias and proctologic diseases. In addition we perform standard surgical procedures such as gallbladder and intestinal resections.

We aim to build a relationship of trust and a high quality surgical experience with you.

We look forward to your visit.
Unterschriften Dr. Debora Nowakowski    Prof. Dr. med. Philipp Kirchhoff    PD Dr. med. Henry Hoffmann

News

News Archive 2018-2021
April 2024
ZweiChirurgen host OP Workshop
Once again, ZweiChirurgen hosted a surgical workshop. Surgeons from Winterthur and Muri were guests to receive further training in the field of hernia surgery. This time the focus was on the different techniques in the surgical treatment of rectus diastasis and mesh fixation options.
ZweiChirurgen were once again involved as instructors and speakers at the renowned 41st Davoscourse
350 young surgeons from more than 20 countries received further training in many areas of surgery with practical exercises on plastic models. PD Dr. Hoffmann was active in the «Hernia Module» and trained the next generation of surgeons in hernia surgery.

davoscourse.ch
March 2024
ZweiChrirurgen Article Zwerchfell-Hernien
ZweiChirurgen with publication on diaphragmatic hernias
Together with colleagues from Switzerland and Germany, PD Dr Hoffmann and Prof Dr Kirchhoff were able to publish a high-ranking analysis of diaphragmatic hernia surgery with and without mesh for reflux disease in the journal «Hernia». Result: Operations on diaphragmatic hernias have a lower risk of recurrence if the suture on the diaphragm is reinforced with a mesh.

Download
ZweiChirurgen at the Austrian Hernia Days
PD Dr. Hoffmann was invited to speak and chair the 2nd Austrian Hernia Days together with many international experts. The topic this time was the optimal preparation of patients for hernia surgery (so-called prehabilitation).

Website of the Austrian Hernia Days (german)
Retreat meeting of the Swiss Hernia Society (SAHC)
PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann met with some members of the SAHC Board of Directors in Lucerne for a two-day retreat.

Important aspects of the SAHC's future planning, such as improving the quality of hernia surgery in Switzerland, training of young colleagues and integrating the SAHC into the large Swiss Surgical Society (SGC-SSC) were discussed in detail.

Website of the SAHC
February 2024
ZweiChirurgen at Hernia Congress in the USA
PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann was an expert and speaker at the «Hernia Surgery Summit» in Big Sky (Montana, USA). Around 300 participants from the USA and Canada came to Montana for three days to find out about the latest developments in the field of hernia surgery.

PD Dr. Hoffmann gave lectures on the topics of «MILOS surgery» and complication management for large hernias.

Herniasummit.com
January 2024

ZweiChirurgen Annual Report 2023
Our Annual Report 2023 is available for download.

2c Annual Report 2023
December 2023
ZweiChirurgen help with aid project in The Gambia

Prof. Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff has just returned from The Gambia. As part of the «Jump Drive to Help» aid project, he operated on 25 patients with inguinal hernias over the course of a week with the help of a team from Switzerland and Germany. Due to the lack of medical care and poverty, such an operation is not accessible to most of the population.

Further information and donations drive-to-help.de
November 2023
Five Years ZweiChirurgen
We are celebrating five years of ZweiChirurgen and would like to thank our patients who have placed their trust in us. Since the start of our practice in November 2018, we have performed over 4,000 major and minor operations and successfully treated more than 17,000 patients. Our team has also grown steadily and we have been able to expand our services in these regions with additional practice locations in Zurich and Liestal.

We look forward to the next five years and will continue to be available to treat your health problems with a high level of expertise and in an atmosphere of trust.
5 Years ZweiChrirurgen
October 2023
ZweiChirurgen at MMESA congress in Turkey

PD Dr. Hoffmann was an invited speaker at this year's congress of the «Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Endoscopic Surgery Association (MMESA)». About 500 participants came to Antalya. PD Dr. Hoffmann spoke, among other things, about the treatment of rectus diastases and complex abdominal wall hernias.

MMESA 2023
ZweiChirurgen with successful Swiss Hernia Days
The Swiss Hernia Days were held in Basel for the sixth time. The congress, founded and organized by ZweiChirurgen, was again a great success. About 300 colleagues from Switzerland and abroad came to Basel to learn about and discuss the latest developments in hernia surgery.

Swiss Hernia Days 2023
ZweiChirurgen at the Romanian Hernia Days (RHD) in Bucharest

PD Dr. Hoffmann again served as speaker and moderator. 250 participants from Europe were present to exchange informations about the latest developments in hernia surgery.

RHD 2023
September 2023
OP Workshop with ZweiChirurgen
Surgeons from Winterthur, Biel and Visp visited ZweiChirurgen in the operating room at the Merian Iselin Klinik for a workshop. The topic was robot-assisted hernia surgery and innovative procedures for the fixation of hernia meshes.

merianiselin.ch
ZweiChrirurgen geben Op-Workshop
ZweiChirurgen at the Congress Viszeralmedizin in Hamburg

PD Dr Henry Hoffmann was active as a speaker at this year's congress of visceral medicine with 5000 participants in Hamburg. Among other things, current developments in hernia surgery were discussed controversially.

Viszeralmedizin 2023
Juni 2023
ZweiChirurgen at the annual meeting of the Deutschen Herniengesellschaft (DHG)

Around 400 participants came to Cologne for this year's meeting of the DHG to learn about news and developments in hernia surgery. PD Dr Henry Hoffmann gave a lecture on the importance of anatomical workshops and surgical workshops in surgical training.

Deutschen Herniengesellschaft (DHG)
ZweiChrirurgen at Swiss College of Surgeons
ZweiChirurgen at the annual congress of the Swiss College of Surgeons (SCS)
PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann and Dr. med. Debora Nowakowski were active as chairs and speakers at this year's SCS Congress in Basel. 1300 participants from all over Switzerland exchanged information about news and developments in hernia surgery in interactive workshops and lectures.

scs-congress.ch
ZweiChirurgen in Ghent (Belgium)

Dr Debora Nowakwoski from ZweiChirurgen was active as a speaker and moderator at the renowned "Robotic Abdominal Wall Surgery" (RAWS) congress in Ghent (Belgium). Around 150 experts from Europe and the USA in the field of robotic-assisted hernia surgery exchanged news and discussed exciting cases.

RAWS 2023 Ghent
May 2023
Hernia Publication with ZweiChrirurgen
ZweiChirurgen with high-ranking publication
Together with authors from Germany and Australia, two surgeons have published an important paper on gender differences in abdominal wall hernia surgery. Result: Women have a significantly higher risk of chronic abdominal wall pain after abdominal wall hernia surgery compared to men.

Hernia Journal
ZweiChirurgen at the Congress of the European Hernia Society (EHS)

More than 1300 participants from Europe, Asia and America came to the annual congress of the EHS in Barcelona (Spain) to exchange information on the latest developments in hernia surgery on an international level. Prof. Dr. Kirchhoff acted as instructor in the Anatomical Surgery Workshop, PD Dr. Hoffmann, in addition to a presentation on the topic of "Hernia Surgery in Obese Patients", also participated as an examiner for obtaining the European Specialist Title "Hernia Surgery " (F.E.B.S. Abdominal Wall Surgery).

EHS Barcelona
Diagnosis Talk with ZweiChrirurgen
Diagnosis-Talk with ZweiChrirurgen: Rectal Diseases
Hemorrhoids, anal fissures and anal vein thrombosis are the most common, unfortunately usually very painful rectal diseases. More than every second person suffers from them in his life. Sometimes for years, because these diseases are still associated with a lot of shame.

Dr. med. Debora Nowakowski talks in the Diagnosis Talk about efficient clarifications and target-oriented, conservative treatments.

Telebasel (german)
April 2023
ZweiChirurgen at anniversary congress in Davos

The Davos Course celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. About 350 course participants from all over the world came again to Davos to get further education in the field of hernia surgery with practical exercises and state-of-the-art lectures. PD Dr. Hoffmann was again present as instructor and speaker.

davoscourse.ch
OP Workshop bei ZweiChirurgen
Two Surgeons on Telebasel
Two surgeons explain in the program Diagnosis on Telebasel on 18.04.2023 about diseases of the anus. In doing so, they try to take away the patients' fear of visiting the doctor.

Telebasel
March 2023
ZweiChirurgen give OP Workshop
Once again, surgeons from various hospitals in Switzerland visited ZweiChirurgen. Several times a year, the focus is on the many aspects surrounding hernia operations. Topic this time: optimal fixation of hernia meshes in the groin.
OP Workshop at ZweiChirurgen
lecture Medgate
Two surgeons performed online training at Medgate
Prof. Philipp Kirchhoff could educate numerous colleagues about proctology and hernia surgery in an online lecture. The cooperation with Medgate in the field of hernia and proctology has been very efficient for years.

medgate-website
ZweiChirurgen at the Interregional Surgical Meeting in Zurich
Prof. Philipp Kirchhoff presented new techniques for the minimal invasive repair of abdominal wall hernias.

17. Interregionales Chirurgenforum Zurich (german)
Vortrag von Prof Philipp Kirchhoff in Zürich
Lecture of Prof Philipp Kirchhoff in Graubuenden
ZweiChirurgen in Graubünden
Prof. Kirchhoff gave a lecture on the surgical treatment of rectus diastasis at the Cantonal Hospital in Chur. The exchange with colleagues in one of the most modern hospitals in Switzerland was very constructive.

Kantonsspital Graubünden

ZweiChirurgen in Salzburg

PD Dr. med. Henry Hoffmann spoke at this year's annual congress of the Austrian Hernia Society as speaker and chairman on the subject of «Outpatient Hernia Surgery». Around 100 participants from Austria and other European countries were present in Salzburg.

hernien.at
Lecture of Prof Philipp Kirchhoff at Merian Iselin Clinic
ZweiChirurgen with practice in Zurich
From April 2023, ZweiChirurgen will also offer its experience and expertise in hernia surgery centrally in Zurich in a private practice. You will find us at Bellerivestrasse 3.

The consultation will initially be exclusively for patients with private or supplementary insurance. Further information about our private consultation in Zurich can be found on our homepage.
February 2023
Important publication on the topic of «Outpatient surgery for inguinal hernias»
PD Dr. med. Henry Hoffmann, as a member of the board of the Swiss Hernia Society (SAHC), has exchanged views with colleagues from the German (DHG) and Austrian Hernia Societies (ÖHG) on the topic of «Outpatient Surgery of Inguinal Hernias». In the DACH region (Germany - Austria - Switzerland), outpatient surgery has not yet become established despite political demands. The main reasons for this are financial disincentives (outpatient surgery is loss-making) and the fact that the decision as to whether an inguinal hernia can be operated on as an outpatient or not has been taken out of the hands of the surgeons who are ultimately responsible. In addition, surgical training suffers massively from the serious underfunding of outpatient surgery. The working group has now published the discussion in the form of a high-level position paper and thus hopes to initiate a constructive discussion in which the hurdles that stand in the way of a further expansion of outpatient surgery can be overcome.

Read the article
Lecture of Prof Philipp Kirchhoff at Merian Iselin Clinic
ZweiChirurgen gave lectures at the Physiotherapy Training
At the Merian Iselin in Basel, 70 interested people followed the lecture by Prof. Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff on treatment methods for faecal incontinence.
January 2023
ZweiChirurgen Annual Report 2022
Our Annual Report 2022 is available for download
ZweiChrirurgen Annual Report 2022
November 2022
ZweiChrirurgen are a Center of Competence in Hernia Surgery
ZweiChirurgen certified «Center of Competence in Hernia Surgery»
Due to the long-lasting high quality and innovation in the field of hernia surgery for many years ZweiChirurgen has been certified as a «Center of Competence in Hernia Surgery» by the DGAV. This certification is awarded to dedicated centers, which are treating all hernia diseases with low rates of complications.

Certification by the DGAV e.V.
ZweiChirurgen at Hernia conference in Asia
Dr. Debora Nowakowski and PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann were invited speaker and moderators at the annual conference of the «Asia-Pacific Hernia Society» (APHS), which took place in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). After two years of corona break the conference could finally take place as an on-site event again. Together with hernia experts from all over the world new developments and controversies in the field of hernia surgery were discussed with more than 500 participants.

aphs2022.com
ZweiChrirurgen at the Hernienkongress Liestal
ZweiChirurgen on a Herniaworkshop at the Kantonsspital Liestal
At the 4. überregionaler OP-Workshop MIC und Hernienchirurgie Prof. Dr. Kirchhoff gave a critical lecture on new techniques for the treatment of abdominal wall hernias under the title «How to make a relevant selection from the overabundance of new techniques in hernia surgery».

Link to the program

October 2022

ZweiChirurgen at the European Hernie Society (EHS) Meeting in Manchester (UK)
PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann and Dr. Debora Nowakowski participated together with experts from Europe and the rest of the world at the annual meeting of the European Hernia Society (EHS) in Manchester (UK). More than 1000 participants were updated in the lates developments and innovations in die field of hernia surgery. PD Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Nowakowski had talks and moderations of sessions.

EHS Manchester 2022

Nowakowski and Hoffmann
Dr. med. Debora Nowakowski passed UEMS exam for abdominal wall surgery
Dr. Nowakowski has successfully passed the exam to become a «Fellow of the European Board of Surgery» in Abdominal Hernia Surgery (F.E.B.S. AWS). The exams took place at the annual congress of the European Hernie Society (EHS) in Manchester (UK).

We warmly congratulate Dr. Nowakowski for this achievement and are proud to have such a competent surgeon in our team.

link to UEMS
ZweiChirurgen at «Forum Young Surgeons»
PD Dr. med. Henry Hoffmann was invited as a hernia expert to talk at the «How I do it» session at Lucerne. The 120 attending young trainee surgeons learned more about focused hernia surgery, where Dr. Hoffmann provided tipps and tricks in hernia surgery.
ZweiChirurgen at Romanian Hernia Days in Bucharest
PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann and many international hernia experts were invited to the «Romanian Hernia Days» in Bucharest. The main topic was the role of meshes in hernia repair. Almost 300 participants from Southeast Europe joined the congress.

September 2022

ZweiChirurgen with article about groin pain
Groin pain is a very frequent problem and needs a meticulous and focused clinical examination. More than 15 causes are described in the literature such as pathologies from muscles, bones or genital organs. A groin hernia only rarely causes pain. Instead, the most frequent complication of groin hernia surgery is chronic groin pain affecting more than 1500 patients per year in Switzerland. In such cases, a deep knowledge of the causes and the therapy strategies is required to help these suffering patients. Read the article which was recently published in Switzerlands surgical journal «Swiss Knife».

Read the article (german)

ZweiChrirurgen swiss Knife 2022
ZweiChirurgen at 39th Davoscourse
Together with hernia experts from Europe PD Dr. Hoffmann was again in Davos as a speaker and instructor. Besides giving update talks on hernia surgery many surgical trainees were educated and trained in hernia techniques using plastic and pelvic-trainer models.

5th Swiss Hernia Days in Basel
Prof. Dr. Kirchhoff and PD Dr. Hoffmann from ZweiChirurgen managed to invite renown national and international hernia experts to Basel. 265 participants from 24 countries joined the Swiss Hernia Days at the Congress Center Basel, to discuss challenges and innovations in the field of hernia surgery. Besides the discussions and talks the anatomical workshop and the life-surgery were highlights of the conference. Since the foundation in 2017 «Swiss Hernia Days» have developed to one of the most successful and important hernia conferences in Europa
June 2022
ZweiChirurgen with modern Robotic technology in the OR
In the Merian-Iselin-Clinic ZweiChirurgen can use a surgical robot of the newest generation (Intuitive da Vinci Xi®). The surgery with the robot is performed in a classic laparoscopic technique, but it uses the «master-slave» configuration. The camera and the surgical instruments are mounted to a robot arm at the patient table. The surgeon sits on a console where he can manipulate the instruments and the camera using joysticks.

Besides the advantages of conventional minimal-invasive surgery (less pain, less complications, quicker return to work and social life after surgery) the robot offers a high-definition 3D vision, higher precision and degrees of freedom in the instrument handling and much better ergonomics for the surgeon. Especially in hernia surgery the use of the robotic system is increasing and will be an important tool for every future hernia surgeon.

ZweiChirurgen at Swiss Surgical Congress
ZweiChirurgen were active speakers and chairs in the session of the Swiss Hernia Society (SAHC) during the annual congress of the SSwiss Surgical Society (SGC) in Berne. News and trends in hernia surgery in Switzerland and Europe were discussed.

Website

Mai 2022

ZweiChirurgen lecture at Dreiländertreffen in Wien
At the joint congress of minimally invasive surgeons from Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Prof. Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff gave a critical overview of the new extraperitoneal treatments for abdominal wall hernias and moderated the lively discussion.

Website

April 2022

ZweiChirurgen at the 7th Salzburger Hernia Days
Together with experts from Europe and USA PD Dr. Hoffmann was invited as a session moderator and speaker to the 5th Salzburg Hernia Days to discuss current topics and innovations in hernia surgery. PD Dr. Hoffmanns talk was about alternatives to robotic surgery in hernia repair.

Website

March 2022

ZweiChirurgen at International Hernia Congress
Together with other hernia experts from Europa, Asia and Africa PD Dr. med. Henry Hoffmann was invited speaker at the IHS congress in Athens, Greece. PD Dr. Hoffmann spoke about the surgical treatment strategies to repair diastasis rectify, which is a very frequent abdominal wall disease following pregnancies. More then 300 participants on-site and almost 1000 online participants followed this event.

Website

January 2022
2c Jahresbericht 2021

ZweiChirurgen Annual Report 2021
Our Annual Report 2021 is available for download (german).

Our Office

Located in the historical neighborhood of St. Johan Vorstadt, we offer you a charming yet modern experience mixing architectiural design in a former book printing press building. Although this space has been converted into a doctor’s office you will enjoy our attention to detail, giving you the feeling of privacy and warmth. Your consultation itself will be in the Dr.’s private offices with gorgeous views of the Rhine.

In addition to the reception and waiting room, the practice offers a meeting room and an intervention room. Here, we perform proctologic examinations and minor procedures under local anesthesia. We are equipped with state of the art instruments including a special Yag laser and a high-resolution examination camera. We are proud to say that our office and restroom are wheelchair accessible.

Doctors and employees

Prof Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff

PD Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff
Philipp Kirchhoff is a specialist in coloproctology and hernia surgery and teaches as a professor at the University of Basel.

From 1996 to 2003 he studied medicine at the Universities of Freiburg, Vienna, Yale and Berlin. Philipp Kirchhoff began his surgical training at the University Hospital of Zurich and worked at various Swiss hospitals during his training.

After obtaining his specialist title in surgery, he completed two years of research at Yale University (New Haven, CT USA). There he developed a new drug for the treatment of heartburn as part of his project. After his return, he worked as a senior physician at the Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery at the University Hospital of Basel since 2010 and habilitated in 2011 based on his research on "The Regulation of Gastric Acid Secretion".
Philipp Kirchhoff subsequently completed a clinical fellowship at Cambridge University (U.K.) with a focus on minimally invasive colon surgery and proctology. In this field, he subsequently obtained the European Coloproctological Specialization (ESBQ). Until 2018 Philipp Kirchhoff was the senior consultant at the Clinic for Visceral Surgery at the University Hospital of Basel where he was in charge of general and private patients, resident training and department management.

Philipp Kirchhoff is the inventor and developer of KORING®, a polyurethane ring device for the prevention of parastomal hernias. His surgical focus is on the surgical treatment of rectal diseases and hernia surgery. He is a reviewer of several international professional journals and a member of numerous surgical societies (SGC, SGVC, DHG and EHS) and international professional committees. Prof Dr. med. Philipp Kirchhoff was appointed by the medical faculty Basel as a Associate Professor in november 2019.

Together with his colleague PD Dr. med. Henry Hoffmann he is the founder of the Swiss Hernia Days. Philipp Kirchhoff speaks fluent German and English.

PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann

PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann
Henry Hoffmann is a general surgeon (FMH) and a specialist in Abdominal Wall and Hernia Surgery (EBSQ Abdominal Wall Surgery), a doctor of medicine and a private lecturer at the University of Basel.

After completing his surgical specialist training in Switzerland, he worked from 2013 to 2018 as a senior physician in the Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery at the University Hospital of Basel. In 2011/2012, PD Dr. Hoffmann completed a clinical fellowship in Great Britain, where he received further training in colorectal and hernia surgery. He then completed a year of research focusing on minimally invasive surgery and VR simulation in surgery.

During his many years as a consultant at the University Hospital of Basel, he successfully managed projects aimed at improving patient safety, speeding recovery from abdominal surgery and quality assurance in hernia surgery. He is particularly interested in quality-assured hernia surgery, and the treatment of sportsmen's groin and chronic groin pain.

PD Dr. Hoffmann holds a certificate of competence in "Laser Treatment of the Skin and Mucous Membrane" (Type I and II), co-founded the Swiss Hernia Days, is a reviewer of several internationally renowned specialist journals and a member of numerous surgical societies (SGC, SGVC, DGCH, DGAV, DHG and EHS). Henry Hoffmann is fluent in German, English and Italian.
Dr. Debora  Nowakowski
Dr. Debora Nowakowski
Debora Nowakowski is a specialist in surgery (FMH) with a focus on abdominal wall surgery (F.E.B.S. Abdominal Wall Surgery) and the youngest member of ZweiChirurgen's medical team.

From 2004 to 2010, the native of Grisons studied medicine at the universities of Fribourg and Basel. She then began her surgical residency at the "Universitätskinderspital beider Basel" (UKBB), followed by further years of training at the St. Claraspital Basel and the University Hospital Basel. At the University Hospital Basel, Dr. Nowakowski was also trained for a longer period of time by Prof. Dr. Kirchhoff and PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann.

After obtaining the specialist title for surgery (FMH), Dr. Nowakowski worked as a senior physician at various renowned hospitals in Switzerland, including the Cantonal Hospital Olten, the Linth Hospital (Uznach) and most recently at the Cantonal Hospital Baselland. There she was able to further deepen and expand her surgical skills and abilities.

In recent years, hernia surgery, general surgery and proctology have become the focus of Dr. Nowakowski's professional and specialist activities. In addition, she regularly participates in national and international congresses to further expand her professional expertise.

Dr. Nowakowski is married, the mother of two sons and, after several years of professional training at various clinics in Switzerland, now makes her home with her family in the Basel region

Debora Nowakowski is fluent in German, English, French and Dutch.
Katja Ulrich, MPA
Katja Ulrich
Katja Ulrich completed her training as a medical practice assistant at the Woodtli School in Zurich.

She gained her first practical experience in a general family practice. She was then employed in a physiotherapy practice and finally worked in a large private orthopedic-surgical clinic in Basel. During this time she was responsible for, among other things, planning and coordinating the appointments of the numerous surgeons and surgeries.

Ms. Ulrich is fluent in German, French, English and Italian.
Melanie Steiger, MPA
Melanie Steiger
Melanie Steiger was trained as a medical practice assistant in a urological practice in Lörrach (Germany).

After finishing her training years she was responsible for organizing the practice and assistance in the OR. Since August 2020 she is part of the team ZweiChirurgen.

Ms. Steiger speaks German, Englisch and Russian.

Alina Horvath, MPA

Alina Horvath
Alina Horvath completed her training as a medical practice assistant at the vocational school in Aarau. During this time, she worked in a group practice with laboratory, X-ray and minor surgery, where she was able to gain extensive practical experience.

Ms. Alina Horvath speaks German and English. She joined our MPA team in January 2024.

Memberships in professional societies

  • SAHC (Schweizerische Arbeitsgruppe für Hernienchirurgie)
  • VSAO (Verband Schweizer Assistenz – und Oberärzte)
  • FMH (Verbindung Schweizer Ärztinnen und Ärzte)
  • SGC (Schweizer Gesellschaft für Chirurgie)
  • ESCP (European Society of Coloproctology)
  • SGVC (Schweizer Gesellschaft für Viszeralchirurgie)
  • DHG (Deutsche Herniengesellschaft)
  • EHS (Europäische Hernien Gesellschaft)
  • DGAV (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirugie)
  • IEHS (International Endohernia Society)

Memberships in Advisory Boards

  • Parastomal Hernia Prevention Faculty, European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) (P. Kirchhoff)
  • International Endohernia Society (IEHS) (H. Hoffmann)
  • European Hernia Advisory Board (H. Hoffmann)

Reviewer for medical journals

  • Annals of Surgery
  • World Journal of Surgery
  • Journal of Surgical Innovation
  • Diseases of the colon and rectum
  • Surgical Endoscopy

Guidelines and consensus conferences

1. Minimally invasive surgical techniques in ventral hernia repair. Update of the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) Guidelines. Peking, China, 2017.

2. Preoperative adjunct interventions in ventral hernia repair. Update of the International Endohernia Society (IEHS) Guidelines. Peking, China, 2017.

3. Sportsman groin: Role of clinical examination and radiological imaging. Consensus Guideline Conference, German Hernia Society (DHG). Hamburg, 2017

Hernia Surgery

A hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall from which the contents of the abdomen protrude outwards from under the skin. Patients generally see a swelling and have discomfort or pain. Hernias are the most common surgical indication, and around 20,000 hernia operations are performed throughout Switzerland every year. The inguinal hernia is the most common, followed by hernia of the abdominal wall (e.g. umbilical hernias, scar hernias) flowed by rare causes such as flank hernia and diaphragmatic hernias.

At our centre for hernia surgery we offer you competent and tailor-made advice and diagnostics. Depending on the clinical picture and the individual requirements of our patients, we perform open (larger skin incision) and minimally invasive surgical techniques (keyhole surgery) in accordance with current scientific findings and guidelines. Our many years of surgical experience enable us to offer you a surgical technique tailored to your needs. For minimally invasive operations, in many cases we also use a latest-generation surgical robot (Intuitive da Vinci Xi) which uses a 3D image to allow us to use the instruments even more precisely and gently.

We perform our operations at our exclusive partner, Merian-Iselin-Klinik in Basel. This clinic located in the center of Basel is of high renown in north-west Switzerland.In addition, we have specialized in the treatment of sportsmen's groin, chronic groin pain after hernia operations and rectus diastasis. These diseases are complex and must be treated together with other specialists and therapists. Here we can rely on a network of experienced sports physicians, physiotherapists, radiologists and pain therapists.

Our patients are also individually cared for and treated by us after the operation. We remain available for you at all times. Within the framework of our "quality-assured hernia surgery", we also send out follow-up questionnaires after the operation in order to identify new problems early on and treat them professionally.

Hernia

ZweiChirurgen are certified as a «Center of Competence in Hernia Surgery» by the DGAV e.V.

Treatment spectrum of different types of hernia

Inguinal Hernia
Open approaches
  • Operation without mesh (Shouldice)
  • Operation with mesh (Lichtenstein)
Minimally-invasive approaches
  • Operation in the preperitoneal space (TEP)
  • Operation with laparoscopy (TAPP)
Hospital stay: 2 days
Outpatient treatment in unilateral hernias if applicable

Inguinal Hernias

Inguinal hernias are the most frequent surgical disease worldwide. More than 20 Mio groin hernias are operated every year globally, in Switzerland more than 18’000 patients must undergo a groin hernia repair every year. The risk for developing an inguinal hernia is almost 30% in male patients. For women the lifetime risk is about 6-8 %. An inguinal hernia is characterized by a clearly visible and palpable swelling in the groin.

Most inguinal hernias only cause mild symptoms (dull pressure, swelling), an operation is rarely immediately necessary. However, over time the hernia will increase in size and the annual risk for incarceration is around 0.5-1%. Therewith, only an operation can cure the hernia. The operation of the inguinal hernia can be executed with an open incision in the groin (Lichtenstein repair) or laparoscopically with a camera (TAPP or TEP repair). In our center we predominantly perform the laparoscopic TAPP technique. Here, the mesh is inserted between the peritoneum and the inguinal wall covering the hernia orifice and reinforcing the backwall of the groin. The advantages of this technique in comparison to open techniques are less pain, fewer complications, and faster recovery to work and social life after surgery. In many cases we use a surgical robot (DaVinci system, Intuitive) which gives a better 3D image of the camera and is much more ergonomic for the surgeon. In well selected patients with small hernias, we can also offer a mesh free suture repair of the inguinal hernia (Shouldice operation).

The most frequent complication after inguinal hernia repair is chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP). In general, around 6-8 % of patients suffer from CPIP one year after surgery, especially during exercising and work after inguinal hernia repair. The risk for CPIP can depends on certain risk factors, but also from the surgical expertise. This explains the fewer rates CPIP in specialized hernia centers such as ZweiChirurgen. We operate 500-600 hernias per year and have CPIP rates around 1%.

Umbilical Hernias and epigastric hernias

Umbilical hernias develop around the belly button and epigastric hernias accrue between the belly button and the chest bone. The lifetime risk is 10%, equally for men and women. Umbilical and epigastric hernias are characterized as a clearly visible and palpable bulge at the level of the belly button and above. Sometimes these hernias can be completely asymptomatic and don't need immediate treatment. However, when they cause symptoms (pain, pressure) and increase in size they should be operated, due to the risk of incarceration (3-4% per year). Smaller hernias of <1cm can be treated with a direct suture repair, whereas hernias of >1cm diameter should be reinforced with a preperitoneal mesh (Per Umbilical Mesh Plasty, PUMP operation) to reduce the risk for recurrence.

Open approaches
  • Retromuscular mesh reinforcement (Rives-Stoppa)
  • Preperitoneal umbilical mesh placement (PUMP operation)
Minimally-invasive approaches
  • Extraperitoneal mesh implantation using laparoscopy (TAPP, extended TEP)
  • MILOS operation (Minimal or Less Open Surgery)
  • SCOLA operation (Subcutaneous Onlay Laparoscopic Approach)
Hospital stay: 2 days
Outpatient treatment in small hernias without mesh
Incisional Hernia

Incisional Hernias

Incisional hernias develop in scars of the abdomen following abdominal surgery (e. g. laparotomy, appendectomy, gall bladder removal). The scar tissue is not as stable as the natural abdominal wall and prone to develop a hernia defect. For example, one year after laparotomy almost 20% of patients develop an incisional hernia. Incisional hernias usually cause symptoms such as the dull pain and a clearly visible and palpable bulge. Due to the symptoms and quite fast progression of the hernia size an operation is mostly always necessary. The aim of the operation is a tension-free closure of the abdominal wall defect and the perfect restoration of the abdominal wall anatomy. In all cases the hernia should be closed using a suture with a reinforcing mesh. The used surgical techniques are depending on the size and localization of the incisional hernia. Our standard procedure is the MILOS technique (mini less open surgery), where the hernia is operated through a small incision (4-5cm) over the hernia. In larger hernias the surgical technique needs to be adapted. To plan the procedure perfectly, we usually perform a computer tomography (CT scan) before surgery.

Open approaches
  • Retromuscular mesh reinforcement (Rives-Stoppa)
  • Preperitoneal umbilical mesh placement (PUMP operation)
Minimally-invasive approaches
  • Extraperitoneal mesh implantation using laparoscopy (TAPP, extended TEP)
  • MILOS operation (Minimal or Less Open Surgery)
Hospital stay: 2—4 days

Large ventral hernias

(horizontal hernia diameter >8cm)

In incisional hernias larger than 8 cm of diameter a tension-free closure is unlikely. Only rarely we use component separation techniques (e. g. TAR) to be able to close the hernia.

  • Retromuscular mesh reinforcement (Rives-Stoppa)
  • Endoscopic anterior component separation (ECS) according to Joergensen
  • Open posterior component separation (Transversus abdominis release, TAR)
  • Preoperative infiltration in the lateral abdominal wall muscles

Treatment spectrum of other abdominal wall diseases



1. Normal situation
2. Diastasis recti (Straight abdominal muscles diverged)
3. Condition after surgery

Diastasis recti (Deviation of the rectus muscles)

Diastasis recti is a separation of the abdominal rectus muscle of more than 2 cm at the level of the belly button. This muscle separation produces a longitudinal bulge of the abdominal wall in the midline. Especially women after pregnancy are affected by this condition. About 2/3 of woman are suffering from diastasis recti following childbirth. In 1/3 of the cases the diastasis recti persists despite intensive physiotherapy. Frequent symptoms are back pain, trunk instability, abdominal wall muscle pain and sometimes urine incontinence. In contrast to widespread assumptions, diastasis recti can only be cured with surgery. Physiotherapy can only help to reduce the symptoms of small diastasis recti.

The concept of the surgical treatment consists of anatomical restoration of the abdominal wall. Usually, the rectus muscles are re-adapted using suture, in many cases a mesh is placed behind the rectus muscle for reinforcement of the suture. In large cases of diastasis recti women complain about cosmetic problems too (e.g. excessive skin folds, wrinkles, stretch marks). Here, and abdominal­plasty can additionally be done. In such cases we perform the operation together with our trusted plastic surgeon Dr. med. Rik Osinga.

  • Physiotherapy
  • ELAR operation (endoscopic linea-alba reconstruction)
  • Plastic surgery (e.g. abdominoplasty)
  • MILOS (Mini Less Open Surgery)
Hospital stay: 2—4 days

Sportsman groin

Pain in the groin during sports is a very common problem. Sports such as hockey, soccer, tennis, badminton, or long-distance running are prone to this problem. In most cases an overload of the musculoskeletal system or joints are responsible for the pain. Here we frequently find strains of the adductor and iliopsoas muscles. Sometimes, an inflammation of the pubis bone (osteitis pubis) or a femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) can cause the groin pain. However, in 15-20% of the cases an instability of the posterior wall of the groin is responsible for the pain. During exercising the lax posterior wall of the groin bulges into the inguinal canal and causes compression of the nerves. This nerve compression is causing the typical pain during sports in the groin. The pain has typically a stabbing, sometimes electric character and radiates from the groin down into the testicles, labia and / or the proximal thigh. Diagnosis can be established with a careful physical examination, interdisciplinary work up, and imaging modalities (MRI, ultrasound). Once the diagnosis has been established and other causes for the pain outside the groin are excluded the treatment consists of surgical stabilization of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. We usually perform a laparoscopic TAPP repair using a mesh. Two weeks after surgery the training can be initiated again with close cooperation of a physiotherapist.

  • Physiotherapy
  • Open approach: minimal-repair
  • Minimally-invasive approach (TAPP, TEP)
Hospital stay: 2 days
Outpatient treatment in unilateral hernias if applicable

Chronic postoperative inguinal pain (CPIP)

Chronic groin pain can develop with and without previous inguinal hernia repair. When the pain occurs without prior surgery the most frequent causes are pathologies of the muscles, of the pelvic bones, of the lumbar spine, of the genitals, or intestinal structures. In contrast to widespread assumptions inguinal hernias don't cause groin pain, except from an acute incarceration of bowel in the hernia. When chronic groin pain develops after inguinal hernia repair and last longer than three months, we speak of a chronic post operative inguinal pain syndrome (CPIP). In total about 6-8% of patients suffer from CPIP. The reason for CPIP is mostly an inadvertent damage of one or more of the three sensitive nerves in the groin, usually due to suboptimal surgical technique. This explains the lower rates of CPIP in specialized hernia centers such as ZweiChirurgen, where CPIP rates are less than 1%. In a few cases CPIP can occur due to ingrowth of the nerves in scar tissue of the sutures or the mesh. Besides surgical expertise, diagnostic and treatment of CPIP demands a careful physical examination, detailed medical history taking, and the use of imaging modalities (MRI). Also, a pain mapping should be performed to get a clear understanding of the problem and the affected nerves. In some cases, repeated infiltration of the groin with a long-acting local anesthetic agent can induce continuous pain reduction (“desensibilization”). In some cases a percutaneous nerve ablation or a surgical neurectomy (with or without mesh removal) is necessary to treat CPIP successfully. The overall success rate for treating CPIP is 75-80%.

  • Interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment (Radiology, pain specialist, physiotherapy, hernia specialist)
  • Pain mapping
  • Infiltration of local anesthetics
  • Laparoscopic and open neurectomy

Proctology

Proctology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the rectum. Common diseases of the rectum include hemorrhoids and anal fissures. In our center for proctology we offer you competent and comprehensive consultation, diagnostics and the complete therapy spectrum for all diseases of the rectum.

Consultations, examinations and minor procedures take place in our practice. For certain examinations (e.g. colon and gastroscopy) we work closely together with gastroenterologists and other specialists. Should an operation be necessary, we perform it at our exclusive clinic partner Merian-Iselin-Clinic in Basel.

Treatment spectrum of various proctological diseases

Sinus pilonidalis (sacral dermoid)

The pilonidal sinus is a very frequent disease especially among the male population. Here, hairs in the anal cleft penetrate the skin and continue to grow subcutaneously. This causes tunnels and cysts under the skin, where tuft of hair can collect. The entrance of the penetrating hair can often be seen as a porus in the anal cleft. Sometimes, hair can be pulled out of the porus. The symptoms of the pilonidal sinus can range from completely asymptomatic sinuses, to fluid discharge and acute inflammation (abscess formation). A surgical treatment is only necessary when symptoms appear. The aim of the therapy consists of the complete excision of the pilonidal sinus in the most minimal invasive way. In many cases the pilonidal sinus can be treated using a laser (Sinus Laser Therapy, SiLaT) or with minimal excision (sinusectomy). In larger, complex cases a complete excision with skin flap reconstruction is necessary.

  • Minimally-invasive techniques
    • - Closure using Laser-obliteration (SiLaT operation)
    - Sinusectomy («pit picking»)
    - Phenol-Injection
  • Radical surgical excision and primary closure (Bascom / Karidakys operation)
  • Excision and flap techniques (Limberg-flap, V-Y-plastic)
  • Incision of pilonidal abscesses
Hospital stay: 2 days for complex cases
Otherwise outpatient treatment in our practice OR
Fistula laser technology
Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are one of the most frequent diseases in the western population. About 70-75% of the people will suffer from problems of their hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime. Hemorrhoids are blood vessel cushions in the distal area of the rectum, where they help to seal the rectum against inadvertent loss of fluid and air. Hemorrhoids can become symptomatic when they increase in size. The typical symptoms are bleeding and sometimes itchiness. Only rarely they develop a size where they prolapse out of the anus. The common causes for enlarged hemorrhoids are constipation, lack of physical activity, long sitting and unhealthy diet. The treatment strategy depends on the symptoms and the size of the hemorrhoids. In most cases the elimination of the risk factors in combination with local medication (suppositories, creams) are sufficient. In in the case of continuously bleeding a rubber band ligation can be performed. Only in larger prolapsing cases we have to surgically remove the hemorrhoids.

  • Conservative treatment
  • Rubber band ligation
  • Laser-coagulation of hemorrhoids
    (Operation after Ferguson or Milligan Morgan)
  • Surgical resection of hemorrhoids
  • Surgical stapler resection of hemorrhoids
Hospital stay: 2 days for complex cases
Otherwise outpatient treatment in our practice OR

Anal fissure

The anal fissure is a tear in the very sensitive skin of the anus. This tier usually develops due to hard stool during phases of constipation. Typical symptoms are intense pain and bleeding during bowel openings. 95% of anal fissures heal on their own. The therapy consists of local and systemic analgesia, reduction of the sphincter muscle tonus and the elimination of risk factors (e. g. constipation). Chronic anal fissures without healing after three months should undergo surgical excision.

  • Conservative treatment
  • Surgical debridement of the fissure
  • Surgical resection of the fissure
  • Relaxation of the sphincter muscle using BTA
Outpatient treatment in our practice OR
Analfissur
Anal fistulas

Anal fistulas

Anal fistulas are connections between the rectal mucosa and the skin around the anus bypassing the anal canal. They usually develop following an acute perianal abscess. Through the internal opening of the fistula feculent fluid enters the fistula tract and appears at the perianal skin. Due to this permanent feculent contamination of the fistula the process is kept in chronic inflammation and can never heal. Therefore, an anal fistula can only be cured with surgery. The surgical therapy usually consists of two procedures. During the first operation the fistula tract is detected and secured with a comfort drain. This drain remains in the fistula tract for three months and prevents retention of feculent fluid and further inflammation of the fistula tract. After subsiding of the inflammation of the fistula tract the second operation aims to close the fistula. The applied surgical technique depends on the course of the fistula tract.

  • Sphincter-preserving Laser coagulation of the fistula tract (FiLaC)
  • Sphincter-preserving fistula plug
  • Closure of the fistula with a ligation (LIFT operation)
  • Closure of the fistula with mucosa advancement flap (so called Mucosaflap)
  • Surgical excision if the fistula tract (fistulectomy)
  • Lay-open fistulectomy
  • Closure of internal fistula orifice using clips (OVESCO clips)
  • Closure of the fistula tract using paste
Hospital stay: 2 days for complex cases (sphincter reconstruction, mucosa flaps)
Otherwise outpatient treatment in our practice OR

Incision of pilonidal abscesses

  • Conservative treatment
  • Surgical incision

Perianal skin tags (mariscs)

Anal skin tags are a very frequent finding. Usually, they develop after an anal thrombosis for example during a pregnancy. in most cases patients don't recognize the skin tags. in some circumstances these skin tags can cause symptoms. frequent complaints are itching, scratching, the feeling of humidity, swelling, or problems to get clean after being on the toilet. In such cases the surgical resection of the skin tag is a valuable option. After this short outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, the wound remains open and needs 4-6 weeks to heal. during the healing process a gentle toilet hygiene (e. g. water irrigation) is recommended.

  • Surgical excision

Condyloma (perianal warts)

  • Conservative treatment
  • Surgical techniques in local anesthetics - Cryotherapy - Laser coagulation
  • Surgical excision of larger warts

Diagnostics and follow-up of HPV-infection
(human papilloma virus)

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus which exclusively infects the anogenital skin (penis, vagina, and anal skin). The virus is contracted by direct skin contact, mostly during sexual intercourse. Therefore, the HPV caused diseases belong to the group the “sexual transmitted diseases” (STD). In rare cases the virus can be contracted on public toilets or saunas. There are more than 200 known HPV types. all HPV's can be separated into a group of high risk (e. g. HPV types 16 or 18) and a group of low risk (e. g. HPV types 6 or 11) for developing anal cancer. After infection the contaminated skin develops the disease. Most patients are infected with low-risk HPV’s. In such cases usually genital warts (also known as condylomas) are developed. After an infection with a high-risk HPV, especially in high-risk patients (e. g. HIV positive patients or patients taking immunosuppressive medication) there is a risk for developing precancerous anal skin alterations (anal intraepithelial neoplasia, AIN).

The infection with the HPV usually happens with starting the sexual life (teenagers). It is assumed that every teenager will contract the HPV, provided they are not vaccinated. Therefore, the HPV vaccination is strongly recommended by the health authorities. The vaccinations should be administered before the teenagers start the sexual activities. In non-vaccinated patients most HPV infections is defeated by the immune system. Only in 10% of the cases the disease develops (condylomas, AIN). The therapy aims at removing the skin disease (condylomas). This can usually be done by cryo-ablation techniques or surgical resection in more extended cases. in high-risk patients with an infection with high-risk HPV's we routinely perform a high resolution (HR) anoscopy and take small biopsies from the suspicious area.

  • Brush cytology
  • Annual examinations using high-resolution anoscopy (HRA)
  • HPV vaccinations

Perianal epithelium dysplasia

  • Local treatment
    • - creams
    - ointments
    - acetic acid
    - Cryoablation
  • Surgical resection of larger skin dysplasia

Anal carcinoma

The anal carcinoma is a rare but malignant disease of the skin of the anus. around 200 people develop this disease per year in Switzerland. women are at higher risk for developing this disease. the anal carcinoma develops from the skin cells of the anus, in some cases they can develop from the mucosa and the gland cells of the rectum. Most important cause for anal carcinoma is an untreated infection with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). The diagnostics consists of a careful anal examination including high resolution anoscopy and biopsies. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed by pathological examination of the biopsies the local and systemic extend of the disease (tumor stage) must be evaluated using MRI scans of the pelvis and CT scans of the abdomen and lungs. The treatment strategy is highly depending on the tumor stage and will be discussed with an interdisciplinary team of doctors. The prognosis of the anal carcinoma has improved and is better the earlier the disease is discovered. In most cases a combined radio-chemotherapy is sufficient to treat the disease. In some cases, surgery is necessary too.

  • Interdisciplinary diagnostics and treatment

Rectal prolapse

  • Conservative treatment (stool regulation)
  • Local excision of excessive mucosa
  • Transanal excision of excessive anal mucosa and rectum muscle gathering (Delorme operation)
  • Transanal complete resection of the anal prolapse (Altemeier operation)
  • Transanal stapler resection of the rectum (STARR operation)
  • Transabdominal minimally-invasive lift of the prolapse (D’Hoore operation)

Anal incontinence

Anal incontinence is a very frequent problem especially among elderly woman, which have given birth. The patients suffer from inadvertent loss of stool, gas, and mucus. The quality of life is reduced in most cases, since patients are fearing to go outside and meet friends because of a “potential accident”. The grad of the anal incontinence is measured using the “Vaizey-Wexner” score. Also, the disease is divided into a primary incontinence (damage to the nerves which regulate the sphincter muscle function) and secondary forms of incontinence (e. g. insufficiency of the sphincter muscle, pelvic floor disorders or chronic constipation). Beside detailed history taking and assessment of the grade of anal incontinence a careful rectal examination will confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes, imaging modalities such as MRI scans or endoanal ultrasound as well as functional tests (endoanal manometry) are necessary. The treatment is highly depending on the cause for the incontinence and the psychological strain. In many cases pelvic floor physiotherapy or stool regulation are sufficient. Rarely an operation is indicated.

  • Conservative treatment
    - Pelvic floor physiotherapy
    - Biofeedback training
    - Stool regulation
  • Surgical sphincter reconstruction
  • Minimally-invasive silicone implants
  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA, Secca-operation)

Perianal pruritus (itchiness)

Anal pruritus is one of the most frequent symptoms why patients show up at a proctologist. The itching can be very intense reducing the quality of life. The causes can be manifold. Most frequently a direct injury to the very sensitive perianal skin caused be intensely executed anal cleaning with paper after defecation is causing the itching. Often, small amounts of blood are visible on the toilet paper. The skin tears are subject to an infection caused by the stool bacteria, leading to inflammation, fluid excretion and moisture of the perianal skin, which intensify the itching. Further causes of the itching can be parasite infection (e. g. worms) or primary skin diseases (e. g. psoriasis). The therapy if the itching is highly depending on the primary cause of the problem.

  • Consultation
  • Identification of pruritus source
  • Development of treatment strategies

Constipation and diarrhea

The normal frequency of defecation ranges from 2-3 x per day to 2-3 x per week and is highly depending on individual factors such as eating habits or lifestyle. The stool should be soft but formed. In most people there are periods if constipation or diarrhea for various reasons, which subside after a few days. However, in some cases these problems can persist. Around 15% of the western population suffer from chronic constipation. The stool is hard, impeding the defecation process, which is sometimes accompanied by flatulence or abdominal pain. The constipations can be caused by unhealthy diet, lack of physical activities, lifestyle impairments (e. g. shift working), unhealthy defecation habits, pregnancy and breast feeding, menopause, or abuse of laxatives. Sometimes, constipation can also be caused by functional disorders of the large bowel (e. g. slow transit constipation) or by mechanical barriers in the rectum. The therapy aims on the elimination of the causing problem.

Diarrhea is defined as defecation more than 3x per day with a liquid or fluffy consistence. Here, several aspects of the lifestyle and eating habits can cause the problem. In some cases, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, an infection with bacteria or viruses, or food poisining can be source of the diarrhea.

  • Consultation
  • Identification of constipation and diarrhea source
  • Development of treatment strategies

General Abdominal Surgery

In addition to hernia surgery and proctology, we also offer the treatment of various diseases of the abdominal organs. These include diseases of the gallbladder (gallstones - see picture -, gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder colic) as well as diseases of the small and large intestine.

Gallbladder

The gallbladder is a reservoir for bile fluid, which is produced by the liver and needed for digestion if fat. With increasing age, the risk for developing gallstones increases. Most patients with gallstones never cause symptoms. However, sometimes they become symptomatic with a gallstone colic or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). As soon as symptoms occur, the surgical removal of the gallbladder is indicated to avoid more serious gallstone complication such as biliary pancreatitis or cholangitis. The operation is usually conducted minimally-invasively with laparoscopic instruments. The gallbladder is separated from the main bile duct and peeled off from the liver.

Minimally invasive or open removal
  • gallstones
  • inflammation
  • adenomas
Hospital stay: 2 days
Gallensteine

Skin

Excision of any skin pathologies
  • moles
  • lipomas
  • scars

Small intestine

  • Removal of parts of the small intestine in case of tumorous changes
  • Removal of adhesions
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy

Large intestine (colon)

Removal of parts of the colon in various diseases
  • diverticular disease
  • adenomas
  • polyps

Consultation hours in Basel, Liestal & Zurich

At our practice locations in Basel, Zurich and Liestal, we hold our consultation hours by individual appointment between 8-12 am and 2-6 pm. In a trusting and private atmosphere, we will take time to discuss your problems, ask you about your symptoms in detail, examine you professionally and draw up a diagnosis and therapy plan together with you. In addition, you will receive an information brochure with easy-to-understand text and illustrations about your diseases and treatment options.

We also carry out the controls after a possibly necessary operation in our consultation hours. You will receive individual and competent advice from our specialists, and one doctor will remain responsible for you until you have recovered. If you would like to see a particular doctor, please let us know without hesitation.

Our office hours are open to all insurance classes. You can conveniently make an appointment online, by phone or by e-mail. Please bring your current health insurance card and your list of medications and allergies with you to your appointment. If you are insured under the so-called "family doctor model", we absolutely require a referral from your family doctor for your treatment.

Sie erhalten einen Tag vor dem Termin in aller Regel eine Termin-Erinnerung per SMS. As a rule, you will receive an appointment reminder via SMS one day before the appointment. If you are unable to keep the scheduled appointment or are prevented from coming at short notice, please let us know by phone or e-mail.

Our consultation hours are also open for certain emergencies. In case of severe pain, abscesses or bleeding from the anus, please call us. Then we can usually offer you an appointment directly.

Surgeries at our practice locations

We perform minor surgeries at our practice locations under local anesthesia. This includes, for example, minor operations on the anus and the surface of the body. After a preliminary discussion of the necessary procedure, we will plan the surgery date together with you. Please arrive at the practice on time for your appointment and allow about 1h of time. You should not schedule any other appointments on the day of the surgery so that you can recover in peace. No special preparations are necessary. You are welcome to eat and drink something before the operation. It is not necessary to shave the surgical site. For anus surgery, please do not perform an enema beforehand. After the operation, we will calmly discuss the further procedure with you. You will receive all the necessary documents from us (control appointments, certificates, prescriptions and behavioral instructions). We will be happy to offer you drinks and a small snack afterwards, if desired. In case of emergencies after the operation (e.g. post-operative bleeding), we are available for you by telephone around the clock.

Inpatient operations at the Merian-Iselin Clinic

The majority of our operations involve a hospital stay. We perform our operations exclusively at the Merian-Iselin Clinic in Basel. In rare cases, we also perform our operations at the Dornach Hospital.

The Merian-Iselin Clinic is located in the center of Basel, is easily accessible by public transport and has 120 beds and nine operating rooms. The Merian-Iselin Clinic meets our high-quality standards with a perfect infrastructure, patient-oriented and friendly staff, the latest technical equipment in the operating room (e.g. surgical robots) and excellent hotel facilities. The clinic staff and our team always strive to make your hospital stay as pleasant as possible.

After registering for surgery in our consultation hours, you will receive written confirmation of your appointment from the Merian-Iselin Clinic within a few days, including your appointment in the anesthesia consultation hours. There, all questions concerning the anesthesia will be discussed with you. On the day before the operation, you will be informed by telephone about the exact time of your admission to the hospital. As a rule, you will arrive about 1-2 hours before the start of the operation. As a rule, you will be admitted to the hospital on the day of the operation. In some exceptional cases it is also possible to arrive the day before the operation (private patients, long journey, etc.). You should not have eaten or drunk anything for at least six hours before the operation. You are allowed to drink clear liquids (water, tea without milk) up to two hours before the operation. At the hospital you will be met at the reception and then escorted to the entry station where you will be prepared for the surgery.

The «Cockpit Principle»

ZweiChirurgen with the Cockpit-Principe

At ZweiChirurgen, work in the operating room is always performed according to the so-called «Cockpit Principle». Based on the work processes and safety measures of pilots in an airplane cockpit, our operations are always performed in pairs and according to a standardized procedure. The individual surgical steps are compared and checked according to the 4-eyes principle.

The «Cockpit Principle» has therefore enabled us for years to perform the entire operation with the highest possible quality and as gently as possible, even in difficult situations.

After the operation, we inform your relatives - if desired. The detailed operation report will be sent electronically to your family doctor immediately after the operation. As with all reports, you will receive a copy. After the operation, you will first be transferred to the recovery room, where you can wake up from the anesthesia in peace. Here your vital parameters (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, etc.) are closely monitored and pain is treated. Often an infusion is also connected. You will then be transferred to your room in the ward. In the afternoon or evening of the day of the operation, we will visit you for rounds.

Depending on the operation and the underlying disease, you will usually stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. We make daily rounds in the morning and can always be reached by telephone outside of these hours. Before you leave the hospital, we will calmly discuss the further procedure with you, such as behavioral instructions, medication, incapacity to work. All the necessary documents are contained in our patient folder, which we hand out to you after the operation. After your discharge from the hospital, you will usually have 1-2 more consultations in our consultation hours.

Outpatient operations at the Merian-Iselin Clinic

AAccording to the guidelines of the Federal Office of Public Health, some operations are performed on an outpatient basis (i.e. without an overnight stay in the hospital), provided that there are no exceptional criteria. These include, for example, unilateral inguinal hernia or hemorrhoids. The preparations for the operation are identical to those for an inpatient stay.

After the operation you will be transferred to the day hospital where you can recover from the anesthesia. We will visit you at the day hospital before you are discharged. Once you have recovered from the surgery, pain is under control and circulatory parameters (pulse, blood pressure, etc.) are okay, you can be discharged home. All the necessary documents are included in our patient folder, which we will give you after the surgery. After your discharge from the hospital, you will usually have 1-2 more consultations in our consultation hours. We recommend that you have a relative pick you up. You should also not be alone at home for the first 24 hours. We are available for you by telephone after the operation.

In rare cases, you may have to stay in the hospital for a night, contrary to what was planned. Sometimes the operation was more complex than expected, or there is still pain, nausea, circulatory weakness, or indisposition. This overnight stay in the hospital is then primarily for your safety and the patient's comfort.

Private patients and self-pay patients

In our practice we treat many privately insured patients and self-pay patients. Please bring - if available - the card of your supplementary insurance to the consultation appointment. Although we offer individual and competent care to all patients, we provide exclusive additional services to all private patients and self-pay patients.

Additional services in the practice:
  • Free choice of doctor for your treatment
  • Generous consultation time (min. 45min)
  • Preferred appointments also outside of office hours by arrangement

Additional benefits in the hospital:
  • Free choice of surgeon and daily ward rounds (incl. weekends and holidays)
  • Comfortable single rooms in the «Premium Silver» department for semi-private patients and «Premium Gold» department for privately insured patients and self-pay patients
  • Comfortable travel to and from the clinic with free limousine service up to 100km distance from Basel. Alternatively, a 1st class train ticket will be issued to you
  • If desired, admission can be made one day before the operation
  • Daily «a la carte» lunch and dinner in the «Premium Gold Lounge» with a visitor or guest of your choice
  • Information on further exclusive additional services of the Merian-Iselin Clinic is available in a separate brochure or on the website

Appoint­ments

In our practice we treat patients of all insurance classes and health insurance companies.

Here you can make an appointment directly with the two surgeons, call us or write an e-mail to our practice.

If you are insured in the general practitioner model (HMO), you should have your general practitioner refer you to us.

In urgent cases, we will try to give you an appointment on the same day.

International Patients

We are warmly welcoming our international guests in our practice. We speak German, English, French, Italian and Russian. For your request please contact us via E-Mail.

As soon as we have booked your appointment, we are happy help with the organization of your stay in Basel during the diagnostic and treatment including transfers and hotel accomodation.

Patient Referral

You can refer your patients to us at any time by telephone, email or fax with the following information: first and last name, date of birth, contact details of the patient, diagnosis and insurance. This will help us to coordinate your appointments smoothly.

Contact us

Location Basel
St. Johanns-Vorstadt 44
CH-4056 Basel
Tel. +41 61 7119000
Fax +41 61 7119005
Make an appointment
Practice mail

Location Liestal
Rathausstrasse 40 (Entrance Salzgasse)
CH-4410 Liestal (How to get there)
Tel. +41 61 9221818

Location Zurich
Bellerivestrasse 3
CH-8008 Zurich (Anfahrt)
Tel. +41 44 2011221


All insurance classes and consultation possible without GP referral (except insurance in the GP model)

Publications

List of the publications by Prof Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff

List of the publications by PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann

Book chapters

1. Philipp Kirchhoff, Tarik Delko, Facharztprüfung Chirurgie (2. Auflage), Gutartige Erkrankungen der Appendix und des Kolons, EMH Scripts

2. Philipp Kirchhoff, Urs Zingg, Operatives Risiko, Facharztprüfung Chirurgie (2. Auflage), EMH Scripts

3. Savas Soysal, Tarik Delko, Philipp Kirchhoff, Gutartige Erkrankungen der Appendix und des Kolons, Facharztprüfung Chirurgie (3. Auflage), EMH Scripts, (HRSG.: Daniel Oertli, Philipp Kirchhoff)

4. P. Kirchhoff und H. Hoffmann. Stoppa-Technik. In: U. Dietz, G. Beldi, R. Fortelny, A. Wiegering (Eds.): Offene Hernienchirurgie, Springer (2018)

 

5. Hoffmann H. und Kirchhoff P. Primäre Inguinalhernien-Chirurgie. In: Facharztprüfung Chirurgie, 3. Auflage. EMH Scripts (2018).

6. Weixler B, Hoffmann H. Darmischämie. In: Facharztwissen Viszeral- und Allgemeinchirurgie, Springer (2017)

7. Philipp Kirchhoff, Henry Hoffmann, Operatives Risiko, Facharztprüfung Chirurgie (3. Auflage), EMH Scripts, 2018, (HRSG.: Daniel Oertli, Philipp Kirchhoff)

8. Chronische Bauchschmerzen, Kapitel: Intraabdominelle Verwachsungen
Philipp Kirchhoff, Markus von Flüe, Herausgeber: Prof. Buchmann, Prof. Degen


Books

Facharztbuch Facharztprüfung Chirurgie, Dritte Auflage 2018 EMH Scripts, (HRSG.: Daniel Oertli, Philipp Kirchhoff)

Partners

Herniamed

In order to improve the results and quality of hernia surgery, the non-profit company Herniamed was founded in 2009. It is a network of hernia surgeons.

The core of the Herniamed project is an Internet-based quality assurance databank. Here, clinics and established surgeons can enter data regarding their hernia operations free of charge. The data is recorded and according to scientific standards which helps in the analysis and eventual interpretation of results. On the basis of these results, the experts can then work out the best future therapy options for patients. website

Medgate

Medgate

The Swiss company Medgate quickly offers comprehensive medical care by telephone or Internet with the aim of improving health care. In doing so, it draws on local partners, doctors and networks in order to provide patients with the best and fastest possible treatment for their complaints. website

Merian-Iselin-Clinic

Merian-Iselin-Clinic

The Merian-Iselin-Clinic is one of the leading private surgical clinics in Switzerland. Based on a high-quality patient care and trustful interdisciplinary cooperation between surgeons and anesthetists the Merian-Iselin-Clinic provides one of the best performance profiles in north-west Switzerland.

With this clinic ZweiChirurgen have a clinic partner on their side to cope with the highest needs of our patients. website

Dr. med. Rik Osinga

Dr. med. Rik Osinga

For operations on the abdominal wall, we work exclusively with Rik Osinga, MD, if required. He is extremely experienced in reconstruction and plastic surgery of the abdominal wall. Here, the treatment and, if necessary, surgery always takes place together in the cockpit procedure. website

Swiss Hernia Days

The Swiss Hernia Days offer hernia experts an annual platform on the latest developments in hernia surgery. The congress takes place annually in Basel and is chaired by international hernia specialists.

The event was initiated in 2017 by Dr. Jan Kukleta (Zurich), PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann and PD Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff (Basel). website