Dr Zehetner meets at the “American College of Surgeons” Clinical Congress in San Francisco for a professional exchange.

The American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress (ACS Congress) is held annually in October in the USA. This year, San Francisco, California, was the meeting place for specialised surgeons who stand for innovation and reliable surgical technique with special achievements in their field. However, no surgeon is admitted to the top ranks of international colleagues all by himself. The ACS Congress is mainly attended by members of the American College of Surgeons. However, only those who have previously achieved the title Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) can become members here.

Already during his stay in the USA from 2008 to 2015, Dr Jörg Zehetner attended the ACS Congress every year. And he received the title FACS on the occasion of a solemn convocation, which as an admission ceremony seals membership in the “American College of Surgeons” society. Prerequisites for this title are a completed specialist training in surgery as well as several years of successful professional practice and the recommendation of at least three academic specialist colleagues. So the hurdles are set high if you want to become a member of this select society. For Dr Jörg Zehetner of Swiss1Chirurgie, this membership in the “American College of Surgeons” society became a reality as early as 2014.

New developments and old friendships

Of particular interest were the new developments in obesity surgery and reflux surgery. In these special fields, Dr. Zehetner has been a sought-after specialist colleague for years due to his high level of expertise, who is always interested in new surgical techniques and, first and foremost, in the sustainable success of the interventions. A central topic during this year’s congress was robotic surgery. There was a lot to learn, even though the first day of the congress in particular was also associated with the difficulties of jet lag after the journey from Bern to San Francisco.

The reunion with the American colleagues from the time when they worked together at the Department of Surgery at the University of Southern California (USC) was a little more relaxed. Old friendships could be revived just as much as the exchange on the specialist topics, which were the focus of attention at the congress anyway.

The cooperation with the specialists from California and with colleagues at the University of San Diego resulted in numerous research findings, which Dr. Zehetner was able to publish in many publications even after 2015. Especially the research projects in the field of reflux diseases, oesophageal cancer as well as obesity surgery have led to results that still have an impact on surgery today and offer real cures for patients.

American contacts in the German-speaking world

Competence in the special subject areas exists in the German-speaking world, but is hardly noticed internationally. It is therefore important that Dr Jörg Zehetner, with his successful professional experience and scientific work on the topics, is an important and currently the only link between the American surgical societies and the experts in the German-speaking countries.

In the International Relation Committee of the SSAT (Society of the Alimentary Tract) he is the only member from the DACH region and thus ensures a successful exchange with the American colleagues.

The SSAT and three other societies hold the world’s largest and most important congress for surgeons and gastroenterologists every year in May. For the coming year, Digestive Disease Week is planned for the period from 2 to 05 May 2020. By then at the latest, Dr Jörg Zehetner will again be able to cultivate his international contacts with specialist colleagues and shine with his characteristic surgical competence. With or without jet lag.

Half of the world’s oesophageal cancer cases in just one country

With a population of around 1.4 billion (as of 2018) and a size of approximately 9.6 million square kilometres, China is the most populous country in the world and approximately 233 times larger than Switzerland. These incredible figures alone show that this is a country with huge potential in all kinds of areas.

Among the less pleasant statistics is the fact that the People’s Republic of China alone accounts for more than half of all oesophageal cancer cases worldwide. In general, this disease is much more widespread in Asia than in Europe, for example.

The unusually high incidence of oesophageal cancer in China was one of the reasons for holding the 2019 OESO World Congress in Beijing for the first time ever, rather than in Europe or the USA. The OESO is a medical society made up of leading surgeons, gastroenterologists, pathologists, radiologists and other professionals in the field of oesophagus and stomach. Prof. Dr. Jörg Zehetner, who offers a specialised range of services for reflux diseases and bariatrics in Switzerland with the Swiss1Chirugie locations in Bern, Brig and Solothurn, is one of these specialists with high recognition worldwide.

 

 

Exchange of experience and knowledge every minute

What was particularly interesting about the organisation of the OESO World Congress in Beijing 2019 was that in the main part, technical presentations were each only five minutes long, each followed by a discussion that was also five minutes long. This gave the opportunity to exchange and discuss a lot of expertise within a short time.

This not only encourages the exchange of scientific expertise and opinions. Ideas for new studies are also conceived quite quickly and compactly in this way and can then be further refined later.

Dr Jörg Zehetner was a sought-after expert

In addition to the lectures and opinion pieces of his professional colleagues, Dr. Jörg Zehetner was also a sought-after subject matter expert. His experience from many years of work in the United States and his specialisation in upper GI diseases were just the right profile for a lively exchange with his colleagues.

Topics such as oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, reflux diseases and diaphragmatic hernias also played an important role in the professional exchange with colleagues. The interactions and complementarities of bariatric and reflux surgery, especially in operations of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine, are a broad field that did not lack a great deal of attention at this year’s OESO Congress.

In a special lecture, Dr Zehetner addressed the topic of the size of the hiatal hernia and the choice of surgical procedure.

The focus was on selecting the most suitable surgical procedure for the individual. Dr Zehetner, who is the only surgeon in Switzerland who is versed in all currently known surgical procedures in this field, emphasised that decision-making must always take place together with the patient if long-term success is to be ensured. Conventional gastric sleeves, partial fundoplication, variants with partial removal of the stomach, LINX reflux management system (magnetic ring), electrical stimulation with Endostim or the new reflux stop system are a selection of methods that must always be chosen well-considered and based on the patient.

Dr. Jörg Zehetner is one of the world’s recognised experts in the field of diaphragmatic hernia and reflux surgery and has published several articles on the subject. Accordingly, the corresponding lecture was listened to with pleasure and followed attentively.

For Dr. Zehetner, it is important in every case to carefully weigh up every intervention and always make a decision in the best interests of the patient. Sometimes, drug treatment may take precedence, as not every patient is suitable for surgery per se. This decision can only be made in discussion with the expert. In the run-up to this, a good counselling interview, a targeted diagnosis and the prognosis for healing are important stages.

Swiss1Chirurgie, with its locations in Bern, Brig and Solothurn, offers such expertise for all patients undergoing bariatric surgery or therapy for reflux disease, abdominal hernias and similar complaints. You can also find out what Swiss1Chirurgie with Dr Jörg Zehetner can do at www.swiss1chirurgie.ch and, of course, always in personal contact with the medical specialists.

The first Swiss1Chirurgie magazine is here

With its first magazine, Swiss1Chirurgie addresses all patients and those hungry for information who want to learn more about the topics of morbid obesity or about reflux disease.

We work our way forward in interesting articles on these topics and also provide interesting information about our clinics and the Centre for Bariatric Surgery (ZfbC).

You can find out more about the magazine itself and the contents in detail in the detailed article.

You can pick up a printed copy of the magazine in the Swiss1Chirurgie clinics. Those who can no longer get a copy or prefer to read online can obtain the magazine via the following link: https://v.calameo.com/?bkcode=006115199635078f16024&mode=mini&clickto=embed&autoflip=4

We hope you enjoy reading and look forward to your feedback or meeting you in person at one of our locations in Brig, Bern or Solothurn.

Your Swiss1Chirurgie

Dr. Jörg Zehetner

The first edition of the Swiss1Chirurgie magazine is out. The magazine is now available as a printed copy in our clinics in Brig, Bern and Solothurn. For those who prefer to read the first Swiss1Chirurgie magazine online, it is also available for download via the Swiss1Chirurgie app or on the Swiss1Chirurgie website.

To the contents

We are happy to inform you now, more or less in advance, about the thematic focal points of the magazine in the March 2020 edition.

Morbid obesity, a widespread affliction

A major focus is morbid obesity. From stigmatisation to treatment options, you will learn a lot in the magazine that is worth knowing, new, interesting and particularly informative for those affected. In this way, we do not simply want to disseminate scientific findings, but above all to show the individual path to change. In an easily understandable yet correct form.

To this end, we have approached this still very difficult topic in the magazine with various articles, statements, reports and testimonials. We hope that this will pave a new way for overweight people in particular to get informed and ultimately take the right steps to treat their morbid obesity.

At this point, the reports by and about Sina Gossweiler, also known as Sina Lark in the music scene, should be of particular interest. The young woman is not only known from the show “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” (DSDS), but has also been fighting against morbid obesity for a long time. Obviously with success.

Reflux – When acid regurgitation becomes a torment

Another main topic in the first Swiss1Chirurgie magazine is reflux disease. Persistent, chronic acid regurgitation is not only unpleasant and annoying, it can also have real medical significance. Especially when the oesophagus is attacked by the constant confrontation with stomach acid. Consequential symptoms can extend to oesophageal cancer.

Here we also take the opportunity to present different medical and surgical procedures for the treatment of reflux disease in a little more detail.

Portrait of our locations

The first issue of the Swiss1Chirurgie magazine also gives us the opportunity to present our locations in Brig, Solothurn and Berne in more detail. You will not only learn interesting facts about the clinics themselves, but also about the doctors who are there for you every day.

We will also focus on the Centre for Bariatric Surgery Bern (ZfbC) and show you how the scientific work is being further developed there. A number of different specialist papers and support for bariatric surgery worldwide shows the expertise with which this centre is equipped.

New app makes access to specialist medical services more tangible

We would also be pleased to introduce you to the new Swiss1Chirurgie app. Many people already know them and may also use them to read this article. Anyone who is not yet familiar with the new Swiss1Chirurgie app is expressly invited here to download and use it free of charge.

A wealth of information, a direct line to the medical specialist and support before, during and after treatment are just some of the many benefits that you can enjoy with the Swiss1Chirurgie app.

Take advantage of this opportunity and simply pick up your print copy of the Swiss1Chirurgie magazine in the clinic or download the online version to your device.

I hope you enjoy reading

Your Swiss1Chirurgie
Dr. Jörg Zehetner

Medical expertise and expert advice on Radio Bern1

People are more interested in their health and use different sources to inform themselves about healthy lifestyles but also about diseases and their symptoms as well as treatment options. Especially widespread diseases such as obesity (morbid overweight) or reflux diseases (for example chronic acid reflux) are moving further into the focus of public interest and thus also opening the doors to media such as radio or television.

Swiss1 Surgery, led by Prof. Jörg Zehetner, has long been committed to professional public relations and welcomes all measures and ways to promote social awareness of such diseases. Jörg Zehetner sees the stigmatisation of affected women and men as a problem that prevents many patients from undergoing appropriate medical examinations. Ultimately, this leads to a vicious circle, which is associated with a long path of suffering and rarely leads to an improvement in the lives of those affected, usually not at all. Old but also new widespread diseases are not only a problem for those affected themselves. The economy and society as a whole are also affected when rising case numbers lead to more incapacity to work, occupational disability, disability to work and, ultimately, rising health insurance costs.

With a lot of commitment, Jörg Zehetner has therefore now spoken out on the radio as part of his efforts to be heard more in public. On 17 August 2020, as part of the podcast series “Medical Knowledge”, the topic of oesophagectomy (resection of the oesophagus) was a focal point on which the specialist physician at the Hirslanden Klinik Beau Site positioned himself. When and why an oesophagectomy may be indicated was explained very clearly by Jörg Zehetner in just two minutes.

The very next day, 18 August 2020, Jörg Zehetner could be heard again on Radio Bern1. This time on the topic of obesity, which is becoming more and more important as a disease in Switzerland and all other highly developed industrialised countries in the world. Here, too, Jörg Zehetner took a clear position on those affected and, with his many years of experience as a visceral surgeon, spoke about the classic methods of treating morbid obesity.

Here too, Jörg Zehetner impresses with his ability to present the essential treatment options in just two minutes.

Listen to the two podcast contributions from Radio Bern1 in full length here:

https://swiftcdn6.global.ssl.fastly.net/projects/5f3e31531d258/index.html?cb=abhioqr529cv93v8xj8x8

It should be noted that these short podcasts cannot replace a comprehensive and thorough diagnosis and counselling. If you think you are confronted with one of these two problems, contact one of the Swiss1Chirurgie clinics. A visit to the website www.swiss1chirurgie.ch can also be helpful. Extensive content on the subject areas is offered here. In addition, all contact details for Prof. Jörg Zehetner and the Swiss1Chirurgie clinics can be found there.

Successfully treat oesophageal cancer

If we analyse the cases of oesophageal cancer in Switzerland, we find that around 600 people suffer from this serious disease every year. The main risk for the development of oesophageal cancer are reflux diseases, which clearly favour the development of cancer in the oesophagus due to the pathological acid regurgitation. About three quarters of those affected are men. One of the promising therapies for oesophageal cancer is oesophagectomy, which will be explained in more detail in this article.

More information and interesting insights directly from Prof. Dr. med. Jörg Zehetner can be experienced in a Zoom Online lecture. Date: 10 March 2021, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Let’s start by explaining the technical terms that are important for this topic

The medical term reflux refers to the backflow of gastric acid from the stomach into the oesophagus. In layman’s terms, this is described as acid reflux. The cause of the backflow of stomach acid into the oesophagus is a weakening of the muscle at the end of the oesophagus (cardia). In addition to the actual acid regurgitation, patients describe such things as frequent heartburn, burning in the chest area or also stomach burning.

The oesophagus is called the oesophagus in medical vocabulary. Functionally, the oesophagus is a kind of muscular tube that transports food into the stomach through contractions. In the stomach, stomach acid, among other things, is responsible for breaking down the food as part of the digestion process. To protect the oesophagus from the constant acid attack, there is a muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus that closes it when it is functioning normally. If the function of this muscle is impaired, the reflux described above occurs.

In medicine, resection is the surgical removal of an organ or part of an organ. With reference to our topic, oesophagectomy is accordingly the surgical removal of the largest part of the oesophagus.

The risk factors for the development of oesophageal cancer

Over the years, the main risk factors for developing oesophageal cancer have changed somewhat. Whereas in the past it was smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, today it is persistent (pathological) acid regurgitation and obesity that significantly increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. If you follow the relevant advice books, acid blockers and diets are often recommended to get the problem of reflux under control. However, this only addresses the individually noticeable phenomena, but not the cause. Therefore, the risk of developing oesophageal cancer remains in the medium and long term unless the causes of acid regurgitation are consistently addressed. What remains is the no longer correctly functioning “valve” at the end of the oesophagus, i.e. the muscle that prevents the stomach acid from rising into the oesophagus. If no improvement can be achieved here, then the constant acid attack on the oesophagus ultimately threatens oesophageal cancer. Surgery on the reflux muscle at the right time can significantly reduce the risk.

From complaints to diagnosis

One of the most common complaints that bring patients to the doctor is difficulty swallowing. After anamnesis and a more detailed description of the symptoms, a gastroscopy is often performed. If malignant tissue is discovered or suspected in the oesophagus or at the transition to the stomach, it can be removed under a short anaesthetic using a type of mini forceps. A laboratory examination will confirm whether or not this is malignant tissue. In the former case, it must then be assumed that there is oesophageal cancer, which must be treated surgically as a matter of urgency. Once the diagnosis of oesophageal cancer has been made, the decision for a suitable therapy must be made.

Recommendation: Combined therapy

Before therapeutic steps are taken, the severity of the disease and the spatial spread of the oesophageal cancer must first be examined more closely and determined in detail. Computer tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen is the method of choice for this. In this way, it is also possible to assess whether there are deposits in the lungs and liver. An ultrasound scan of the oesophagus can also assess deposits in the lymph glands.

A common feature of the work of the medical specialists at Swiss1Chirurgie and at the Beau-Site Clinic is an interdisciplinary tumour board, where specialists from all the disciplines involved carry out a precise assessment of the symptoms, risks and treatment options. In addition to recommending therapeutic measures, this also includes timely clarification of follow-up treatment.

In most of the cases, a combined therapy is considered by the tumour board. This combination consists of an upstream chemotherapy, which is to be understood as a preparation for the actual surgical intervention within the scope of the oesophageal resection. If necessary, radiotherapy can also be part of the treatment. The surgical intervention takes place a few weeks after the start of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

The esophagectomy procedure

Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the removal of the oesophagus (oesophagectomy) can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure (also called keyhole surgery). The operation itself takes about three to four hours and is performed under anaesthesia. Through small incisions in the abdominal wall, the connections of the oesophagus to the stomach and at the diaphragm are loosened. The lymph glands in the abdomen are then removed, followed by removal of the oesophagus itself either through the abdomen or through the chest. The adjacent tissue, which may also be affected by tumour cells, is also removed.

In a further step, the stomach is formed into a tube. This stomach tube is finally connected to the upper remaining end of the oesophagus in the neck area. Afterwards, the success of the surgical procedure is checked using a method specially developed by Dr. Jörg Zehetner. For this purpose, a fluorescent substance is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. Within five to ten seconds, a laser camera can be used to determine whether the result of the operation is satisfactory.

Rapid mobilisation and recovery of patients

A clear advantage of modern surgical techniques in the context of oesophageal resection is the short time patients spend in hospital. With independent breathing, the operated patients wake up from the anaesthesia and remain in the intensive care unit for one to two days, depending on their condition, to monitor their bodily functions. In the normal ward, a swallowing X-ray is taken as early as five days after the operation to check whether the connection between the stomach tube and the beginning of the oesophagus has healed well. If this can be confirmed, the diet can be slowly built up.

Depending on the individual development, the clinic stay itself lasts about one week to ten days. This is followed by a two-week rehabilitation measure, which helps the patient to heal quickly. After just three months, the patient experiences his or her original quality of life, now without oesophageal cancer and the unpleasant accompanying symptoms. In principle, everything can now be eaten again, perhaps in smaller portions, but spread over several meals a day.

More information and interesting insights directly from Prof. Dr. med. Jörg Zehetner can be experienced in a Zoom Online lecture. Date: 10 March 2021, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

What is LINX, what can LINX do?

Swiss1Chirurgie informs – The LINX System

Constant acid regurgitation is not only annoying, but can also cause serious secondary diseases. What is summarised in technical language as reflux is an extremely unpleasant restriction of the quality of life for those affected.

The LINX system has been available for years for reflux therapy and has led to extremely positive results. You can find out what LINX is, what LINX can do and how it works in the detailed article, in the video or on the Swiss1Chirurgie website.

Learn more about the reflux therapy procedure

There are probably around 20 percent of the population who regularly or chronically complain of reflux of stomach acid into the oesophagus. However, acid regurgitation is not only extremely unpleasant, but can also cause serious health problems, including oesophageal cancer.

With LINX, a system is available that can effectively prevent the backflow of gastric juice into the oesophagus. This system is used as part of a minimally invasive surgical operation. After placement of the LINX system, the symptoms subside and patients can return to a normal life in most cases.

What is LINX?

In principle, the LINX system is a magnetic ring chain. At first glance, the system can be compared to an elastic pearl necklace, whereby here the pearls are on magnets that are titanium-coated and thus completely harmless to the organism. Due to the attractive forces acting on the magnetic beads, they are repeatedly attracted to each other in the absence of counterpressure, which leads to a narrowing of the chain. When mechanical tension is applied to the system, the chain expands and widens the passage.

What can LINX do?

The LINX system is placed around the lower end of the oesophagus in a minor surgical procedure. The attraction of the titanium-coated magnetic beads creates a reliable closure of the oesophageal outlet without compressing the oesophagus. Only when, for example, a certain internal pressure is exerted on the oesophagus by the intake of food, does the magnetic ring open so that the food pulp or even liquids can enter the stomach unhindered. In this way, the normal function of the oesophagus is efficiently supported and the reflux of gastric juice into the oesophagus can be prevented. The bottom line is that LINX is strong enough to close the oesophageal junction into the stomach, but weak enough to allow air to escape from the stomach or vomiting to occur.

Practical experience

The LINX system has been known and proven for years. In the Swiss1Chirurgie clinics, this system is preferably used for reflux therapy whenever possible. The experience is extremely good, which includes that there are hardly any complications with the system during and after the surgical procedure. Since 2015, Prof. Dr. Jörg Zehetner has already treated over 250 patients with the LINX system. For most people with reflux symptoms, this system is the first choice, provided there is otherwise normal oesophageal function.

In order to assess this condition, a preliminary assessment of oesophageal function and reflux symptoms is essential. This preliminary examination includes a gastroscopy and a functional test of the oesophagus. Ideally, these examinations are supplemented by manometry, which means measuring the pressure in the oesophagus.

Would you like more information? Do you yourself have complaints due to acid reflux? Then watch the video with Prof. Dr. Jörg Zehetner, visit the Swiss1Chirurgie website or make an appointment at one of the Swiss1Chirurgie clinics in Bern, Brig or Solothurn.

https://v.calameo.com/?bkcode=0061151993dbd1bbf97d6&mode=mini&showsharemenu=false&clickto=embed&autoflip=4