The program includes:
- Initial presentation in the clinic
- clinical history taking
- review of medical records
- physical examination
- laboratory tests:
- complete blood count
- biochemical blood analysis
- inflammation indicators (CRP, ESR)
- high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT)
- pulmonary function test
- blood gas analysis
- biopsy with histological and microbiological examination
- nursing services
- development of individual treatment plan
Required documents
- Medical records
- X-ray examination, MRI/CT scan (if available)
- Pleural biopsy (if available)
Service
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About the department
The Department of Adult and Pediatric Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Somnology at the Hirslanden Salem-Spital Bern offers the high-precision diagnostics, conservative and surgical treatment of diseases of the thoracic organs. The department’s tasks also include medical care for sleep-related breathing disorders. The department deals with the treatment of patients of all age categories – from young children to the elderly. The doctors of the department have at their disposal all the necessary resources for the effective treatment adapted to the individual needs and wishes of patients. The department is headed by Prof. Dr. med. Richard Kraemer.
The direction of thoracic surgery is represented by an experienced team of surgeons providing surgical treatment of diseases and injuries of the thorax and its organs, with the exception of the heart and aorta. The patients with oncopathology are treated with the participation of pulmonologists, oncologists, radiologists and other doctors of the related fields. If possible, surgical treatment is performed with the help of sparing minimally invasive interventions.
The department’s range of medical services includes:
- Thoracic surgery
- Classical and minimally invasive lung resection (lobectomy, segmentectomy) for lung cancer, lung metastases
- Surgical procedures for pleural mesothelioma (pleuropneumonectomy, extended decortication)
- Classical and minimally invasive surgery for mediastinal tumors (for example, thymomas)
- Thoracoscopy in case of suspected pneumothorax, unclear focal lesions in the lungs, hand and armpit hyperhidrosis, as well as in case of the diagnostics and treatment of pleural diseases, pleural effusion, emphysema
- Diagnostic interventions, such as mediastinoscopy, mediastinotomy, lymph node biopsy
- Surgical treatment of pleural empyema
- Surgical correction of funnel-shaped and keeled chest wall deformities (minimally invasive surgery and Nuss procedure)
- Surgical interventions for fractures of the ribs (stabilization of the ribs) and sternum
- Surgical interventions for thoracic malignancies, including reconstructive interventions
- Palliative interventions (for example, the installation of a PleurX catheter for the treatment of malignant pleural effusion)
- Pulmonology
- Diagnostics and treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Diagnostics and treatment of pulmonary emphysema
- Diagnostics and treatment of interstitial lung diseases
- Diagnostics and treatment of occupational lung diseases
- Diagnostics and treatment of tuberculosis
- Diagnostics and treatment of pneumonia
- Diagnostics and treatment of bronchiectasis
- Diagnostics and treatment of cystic fibrosis
- Diagnostics and treatment of pulmonary embolism
- Diagnostics and treatment of pulmonary hypertension
- Drug treatment
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Pleural puncture
- Pulmonary function diagnostics
- Diagnostic and interventional bronchoscopy
- Pleural sonography
- Pleural puncture and drainage
- Long-term oxygen therapy (including the installation of a transtracheal oxygen catheter)
- Preoperative assessment before major surgery
- Non-invasive ventilation, home ventilation
- Pediatric pulmonology
- Diagnostics and treatment of obstructive bronchitis
- Diagnostics and treatment of bronchial asthma
- Diagnostics and treatment of chronic lung diseases
- Somnology
- Snoring, obstructive sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Restless legs syndrome
- Hypersomnia
- Insomnia
- Parasomnia
- Irregular sleep–wake rhythm
- Other diagnostic and therapeutic options
Curriculum vitae
Education
- 1972 Doctoral degree, University of Bern.
- 1971 State Exam in Medicine, University of Bern.
Professional Career
- 2010 Consulting Physician for Pediatric Pulmonology, Lung Center, Hirslanden Hospital Zürich.
- 2009 Consulting Physician for Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Adult and Pediatric Pulmonology, Thoracic Surgery, Somnology at the Hirslanden Salem-Spital Bern.
- 1996 - 2009 Full Professor for Pediatrics, Chief Physician of the Department of Pediatrics at the University Hospital Bern.
- 1994 Extraordinary Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern.
- 1988 Associate Professor of the Department of Pediatrics (Pediatric Pulmonology).
- 1984 Habilitation in Pediatrics (Pediatric Pulmonology).
- 1978 - 1980 SNF Research Fellow, Laboratory for Children's Physiology of Lungs, Hôpital de Bavière, University of Liege, Belgium.
- 1972 - 1978 Assistant Physician, Department of Anesthesiologists (Bern), Internal Medicine (Langnau), Pediatrics (Bern), Neurology (Bern).
Clinical Interests
- Diagnostics of children with lung diseases (obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung diseases).
- Pulmonary function diagnostics.
- Laboratory diagnostics.
Memberships in Professional Societies
- American Thoracic Society.
- Medical Association of the Canton of Bern.
- European Respiratory Society.
- North American Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (NACFF).
- Swiss Society of Pediatrics (SGP).
- Swiss Society of Pulmonology (SGP).
- Swiss Medical Association.
Photo of the doctor: (c) Hirslanden AG
About hospital
The Hirslanden Salem-Spital Bern enjoys the status of a modern medical facility, which work is based on the highest medical standards, a humane and respectful attitude towards patients. The history of the health facility began back in 1888, when it functioned with the assistance of the Deaconess Foundation. In 2002, the hospital became part of the well-known Network of Swiss Hirslanden Medical Centers, which diagnose and treat patients in all fields of modern medicine. The Hirslanden Network has 18 clinics across the country. The hospital has 163 beds for the hospitalization of patients. The medical complex also includes 7 high-tech operating rooms and 4 excellently equipped delivery rooms.
The hospital’s key areas of specialization are orthopedics and traumatology, spinal surgery, gynecology and obstetrics.
The quality of medical services is monitored through an effective quality management system. Since 2010, the hospital regularly openly publishes all indicators of clinical activities, which helps to increase patient confidence.
The hospital is located in the central and at the same time quiet part of the beautiful Swiss city of Bern. The windows of the patient's rooms overlook the beautiful views of the Old City and fascinating alpine landscapes. The medical institution is also proud of its own spacious garden where one can stroll along the pond, relax and gain strength. All these details, combined with the excellent quality of medical service, guarantee the best treatment results and comfort.
Photo: (с) depositphotos
Accommodation in hospital
Patients rooms
The patients of the Hirslanden Salem-Spital Bern live in comfortable rooms made in a modern design. Each patient room has an ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet. The standard patient room includes an automatically adjustable bed, a bedside table, a table, a chair, an armchair, a TV and a telephone. If desired, one can connect to Wi-Fi. The hospital also offers accommodation in the enhanced-comfort patient wards, which are additionally equipped with a safe, a refrigerator and upholstered furniture.
Meals and Menus
The patient and the accompanying person are offered a daily choice of three menus. If you are on a specific diet for any reason, you will be offered an individual menu. Please inform the medical staff about your dietary preferences prior to the treatment.
Further details
Standard rooms include:
Religion
The religious services can be provided upon request.
Accompanying person
During the inpatient program, an accompanying person may stay with the patient in the room or at a hotel. Our managers will help you choose the most suitable option.
Hotel
During the outpatient program, the patient may stay at the hotel. Our managers will help you choose the most suitable option.