Bellaria Surgical Centre Zurich

Ophthalmic surgery

Ophthalmic surgery is a specialty within the field of ophthalmology. It involves the detection and surgical or laser treatment of eye and eyesight diseases and injuries. These include cataracts and glaucoma, diseases of the cornea (and also transplants), the removal of tumours and foreign bodies, diseases of the lens, retinal diseases or injuries, lesions of the eye muscles, disorders of the tear ducts, eyelids or eye sockets, and so on. It also includes vision correction surgery (e.g. squints). Most operations on the eye are performed on an outpatient basis.

Ears / Nose / Throat

A specialist in otorhinolaryngology is generally referred to as an ENT (ear, nose and throat) doctor. Practitioners treat all the organs and structures of the head and neck (apart from the eyes and the brain). They employ a variety of surgical techniques to treat conditions such as hearing loss, snoring and nasal polyps. Some of these surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Mouth / Jaw / Face (maxillofacial surgery)

Oral and maxillofacial surgery involves diagnosing and treating diseases, deformities and injuries in the region of the face. These include misalignments of the jaw, congenital deformities, and cleft lip, palate and jaw joint disorders. Some of these surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis.

Shoulder (orthopaedics)

As the saying goes, we often carry a heavy load on our shoulders. But also in the physical sense, a lot can press on our shoulders.

The shoulder is a highly complex movement mechanism in which a wide variety of factors can quickly become disproportionate, be it through frequent work at shoulder height, a blow to the shoulder, an unfavorable posture, a strain, etc.

Reconstructive and plastic surgery

Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery is mainly performed to remedy skin problems (e.g. scars) and the structures directly underneath. The goal is to restore normal external body structure and function.

Plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons specialise in the various treatment techniques of cosmetic surgery. Such specialists, for instance, treat forehead wrinkles with botulinus toxin, surgically correct drooping eyelids, enlarge, reduce or tighten breasts or perform liposuction.

Reconstructive surgery is particularly important following severe burns, accidents or operations, for instance after a breast tumour has been removed. Plastic surgeons also play a key role in correcting congenital malformations (birth defects).

Dermatology / Venereology

Dermatologists can employ various methods to treat skin and venereal diseases. Medication is one option, but there is also a variety of other potential techniques: laser therapy, cryotherapy (cold treatment), dermabrasion (exfoliation of damaged skin) or surgery (for instance, to remove skin tumours).

Mohs surgery is a highly precise surgical technique to remove skin tumours that minimises the loss of healthy tissue.

Visceral surgery

The viscera are the large internal organs of the body collectively. Visceral surgery is a specialised branch of general surgery. It focuses on the disorders and deformities of the viscera – and mammary glands – that can be treated through surgical intervention.

The visceral surgeon often works closely with the gastroenterologist. If the latter diagnoses gall stones in a patient, the visceral surgeon removes them surgically. He also operates where tumours are found in the viscera and carries out interventions on haemorrhoids (piles). Although he carries out most interventions laparoscopically, i.e. using an endoscope (optical instrument) adapted for the viscera, he can also use modern laser techniques.

After an intervention the visceral surgeon looks after his patients until they get better.

Gynaecology

The field of gynaecology involves diseases of the female reproductive organs. Surgically trained gynaecologists can, for example, perform sterilisations or hysteroscopies (internal examinations of the uterus).

Most hysteroscopy procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and may be required for diagnostic or surgical purposes, for example to remove polyps.

Urology

The specialist field of surgical urology involves surgery to treat diseases, organ changes, disorders, tumours, etc. of the urinary and genital tracts of both sexes. This includes diseases of the bladder, incontinence, potency problems in men, undescended testicles, enlarged prostate glands, prostate cancer, elective sterilisation in men or its surgical reversal, hydrocele, cysts, urethral obstruction, narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis), and curvature of the penis.

Elective sterilisation in men or its surgical reversal and alleviation of narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis), are usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Proctology

Proctology is the study of diseases of the rectum, pelvic floor and anus. Specialists (mostly gastroenterologists, but also specialists in gastrointestinal medicine who are certified proctologists) detect and treat the following diseases and disorders:

• haemorrhoids and anal venous thromboses
• mucosal tears (fissures) and fistulas in the rectal area
• chronic constipation or faecal incontinence
• rectal prolapse
• anal pain or itching
• genital warts
• anal tumours and skin tags (skin folds)

Surgery of the hand

Medical problems of the hand are dealt with by orthopaedic surgeons. The fine structure of the tendons, nerves and vessels of the hand makes it a very complex part of the body.

The hand surgeon's particular speciality is carrying out surgical interventions on the hand. Operations are used to treat problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and for the osteosynthesis of breaks in the bones of the hand or the therapy of cuts to the hand's blood vessels, tendons and ligaments. The outcome of surgical interventions to the hand's multitude of very fine blood vessels, tendons and nerves is dependent upon a high degree of precision and dexterity on the part of the hand surgeon.
After the operation the doctor prescribes the patient with specific exercises that will help restore the function and mobility of the fingers. In so doing, the hand surgeon often works closely with a physiotherapist.

Knee (orthopaedics / traumatology)

Medical problems of the knee are dealt with by orthopaedic surgeons. The knee’s ability to bear high loads depends on the sophisticated interplay between the kneecap, meniscus, ligaments, muscles, capsules and tendons.

Generally, the older you get, the more likely you are to need knee surgery. If your doctor recommends a knee arthroscopy (a surgical procedure to visualise a joint), this can sometimes be carried out on an outpatient basis.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins that cause you discomfort or you feel are unsightly can be surgically removed. Often, this can be done using minimally invasive procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis. Occasionally, such varicose veins are also ‘stripped’ (vein stripping). The choice of procedure depends on the extent and location of the varicose veins.

Foot

Medical problems of the foot are dealt with by orthopaedic surgeons. The speciality covers treatment of all diseases, injuries and injury complications of the lower leg, ankle and foot.

Practitioners employ surgical techniques to correct deformities, relieve pain and remedy misalignments or instabilities. These can sometimes be performed on an outpatient basis.