Department of Phlebology, Proctology and Endoscopy - ATOS Clinic Heidelberg

About the Department of Phlebology, Proctology and Endoscopy at ATOS Clinic Heidelberg

The Department of Phlebology, Proctology and Endoscopy at the ATOS Clinic Heidelberg provides the full range of medical services in its areas of competence. The medical facility specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of the colon, rectum, and anus, as well as venous diseases, with a special focus on the therapy for varicose veins. In addition, the department has well-equipped endoscopy rooms for a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy. The department's team of doctors follows the latest clinical protocols. The specialists offer patients modern treatment methods with proven effectiveness. Since its opening in 2016, the department has rapidly taken a leading position in the national healthcare system. Patients are greeted by a friendly atmosphere and attentive medical staff, for whom the health, comfort, and well-being of anyone seeking medical help is a priority. The department is certified by the German Society of Phlebology (DGP) as a Center of Competence for Venous Diseases and by the Professional Association of German Coloproctologists as a Center of Competence for Coloproctological Diseases. The Head Physician of the department is Dr. med. Martin Thome.

The department's team of doctors is deservedly proud of its brilliant results in the treatment of varicose veins. This disease is characterized by the pathological expansion of the lumen of the vein with stagnation of venous blood and deformation of the vascular wall. Varicose veins are a common pathology that many people mistakenly consider to be a purely aesthetic problem. As varicose veins progress, they may lead to severe complications such as phlebitis, thrombosis, etc. To make a diagnosis, the specialists in the department conduct a clinical examination and ultrasound scanning. A treatment regimen is prescribed after a diagnostic examination, taking into account the type of varicose veins, the stage of the condition, the presence of concomitant pathologies in the patient, and other factors. At the early stages of varicose veins, the department's doctors recommend conservative treatment with compression therapy, drug therapy, microsclerotherapy, foam sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and radiowave therapy. In the advanced stages, the specialists resort to minimally traumatic surgical procedures. The department successfully performs mini-phlebectomy, crossectomy, and stripping. The department has the status of a Center of Competence for Venous Diseases (certificate from the German Society of Phlebology, DGP), so patients can expect the best treatment results.

Another important area of ​​work for the department's doctors is proctology. The specialists in this field diagnose and treat patients with rectal and anal diseases. Patients with hemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal abscesses, anal fistulas, thrombosed hemorrhoids, and pilonidal sinuses most often seek medical help from the department. The therapeutic process begins with a personal consultation and a comprehensive diagnosis, which includes an analysis of the patient's medical history, a digital rectal exam, and a rectoscopy. The attending physician then begins treatment planning. In most cases, proctological conditions respond well to conservative therapy with medications and ointments. In rare cases, surgery may be required. The department offers minimally invasive laser and microsurgical procedures. For the treatment of hemorrhoids, the department's specialists offer an innovative radiofrequency ablation method under local anesthesia that is called the Rafaelo® procedure.

The department has modern rooms for a gastroscopy (an endoscopic examination of the stomach) and a colonoscopy (an endoscopic examination of the intestines). These diagnostic methods are highly informative for suspected gastrointestinal pathologies because they allow a visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract from the inside using a special thin instrument with a built-in light source and a miniature video camera. Both gastroscopy and colonoscopy are performed under sedation, so patients do not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedures.

The department's range of medical services includes the following:

• Phlebology
  • Conservative treatment of venous diseases
    • Compression therapy
    • Drug therapy
    • Microsclerotherapy
    • Foam sclerotherapy
    • Laser therapy
    • Radiowave therapy
  • Surgical treatment of venous diseases
    • Mini-phlebectomy
    • Crossectomy
    • Stripping
• Proctology
  • Conservative treatment of rectal and anal diseases
    • Drug treatment with medications and ointments
  • Surgical treatment of rectal and anal diseases
    • Laser procedures
    • Microsurgical procedures
    • Radiofrequency ablation with the innovative Rafaelo® method
• Endoscopy
  • Gastroscopy
  • Colonoscopy
• Other diagnostic and therapeutic methods