University Hospital Erlangen - Departments

The Department of Human Genetics offers the full spectrum of detection, classification and diagnostics of both the discrepancies leading to abnormalities of the genome and the developing pathologic processes. Upon the identification of such disease, the specialists of the department provide the patient and affected family members with information on the disease course features, possible prevention measures or specific treatment techniques as well as on the inheritance pattern and risks of recurrence in children.

The Department of Interventional Radiology offers the full range of services in this ​​medical field. The department specializes in imaging diagnostics and image-guided interventional therapeutic procedures for the treatment of diseases of all organs and systems of the human body. The department has a progressive technological base, which allows conducting ultrasound examinations, digital radiography, CT scans and MRI, digital subtraction angiography and other diagnostic tests. Therapeutic interventional procedures are most often performed for vascular pathologies, cancers and other diseases. For its outstanding clinical activities, the medical facility was awarded the quality certificate of the German Society of Radiology (DRG) in the field of cardiovascular imaging diagnostics and the German Society for Interventional Radiology (DeGIR) in the field of interventional therapy. The department's specialists cooperate closely with oncologists, cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, neurosurgeons and other doctors of the university hospital. Such a multidisciplinary approach guarantees the best treatment results.

The Department of Neuroradiology carries out high-precision imaging diagnostics and effective image-guided interventional treatment. The department's doctors specialize in the diagnostics and treatment of pathologies of the central and peripheral nervous system – brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerve endings. To provide top-class medical care, the department has state-of-the-art equipment, including progressive systems for classical computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, MR spectroscopy, MR angiography, diffusion tensor MRI, digital subtraction angiography, DYNA CT scans. In the field of interventional therapy, key attention is paid to interventional procedures for the elimination of vascular obstruction and stenosis in the neck and brain, as well as to mechanical thrombectomy for the treatment of acute stroke, interventional procedures for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous vascular malformations, interventional pain therapy for chronic back pain. Many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. It is worth noting the high professionalism of the team of doctors of the department and their extensive clinical experience, which, in combination with the latest technologies, make it possible to diagnose and treat even particularly complex neurological disorders.

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Ophthalmology offers all the possibilities of modern medicine for the diagnostics and treatment of diseases of the eye and its appendages. The team of the department's ophthalmologists provides effective treatment of both simple and complex ophthalmic diseases in patients of all age categories, ranging from young children to adults and the elderly. The department's clinical practice focuses on the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases, tear duct and eyelid surgery, as well as corneal transplantation. The department also provides emergency medical care around the clock. The department has 80 beds and seven state-of-the-art operating rooms, including an outpatient operating room, which makes it one of the largest specialized medical facilities of this kind. The medical facility annually admits about 38,000 outpatients and 6,000 inpatients. The high competence of doctors allows them to achieve successful treatment results and give people the opportunity to see the world in bright colors.

According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Gynecology, Mammology, Obstetrics ranks among the top German departments specializing in obstetrics and breast cancer treatment! The department offers the full range of services in the areas of its specialization and is one of the largest medical facilities of this kind in Germany. Of particular interest is the treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system, including breast cancer, medical care for hormonal imbalance of gynecological genesis, treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women, top-class obstetric care and integrated pregnancy management. In addition, the department's gynecologists admit women suffering from infertility. They can undergo comprehensive diagnostics of the reproductive system and the further required therapeutic manipulations, such as uterine fibroid removal, treatment of endometriosis and other pathologies, which prevent the conception of a child. The department also specializes in the treatment of congenital malformations and acquired gynecological diseases in children. The highly qualified team of doctors with colossal experience, who keep pace with advanced innovations in medicine, take care of the patients' health. The specialists do everything possible to restore the health of patients, taking into account their needs and wishes.

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery offers all the possibilities of modern medicine for the prevention, diagnostics and treatment of ENT diseases. The department also performs surgical treatment of head and neck tumors, the quality of which is confirmed by the certification of the German Cancer Society. The range of medical services is complemented by the diagnostics and treatment of hearing, voice, speech and swallowing disorders. Special attention is paid to the placement of hearing aids, cochlear implantation, middle ear surgery, skull base surgery, paranasal sinus surgery, salivary gland surgery and interventions with the use of computer navigation. The department admits adults, elderly patients, as well as children of all age groups. The department has 80 planned beds for inpatients, as well as 6 beds in the intensive care unit. Surgical interventions are performed in six state-of-the-art operating rooms equipped with the most advanced surgical instruments and computer technology. The highly professional team of doctors with colossal clinical experience takes care of the patients' health. The department's doctors successfully apply their progressive knowledge and all available technical resources to effectively restore the health of patients.

The Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Andrology offers accurate diagnostics and effective treatment of diseases of the skin and its appendages, allergic reactions, as well as male infertility and erectile dysfunction. Priority is given to the diagnostics and treatment of skin tumors, inflammatory skin diseases, vitiligo, psoriasis, neurodermatitis and chronic non-healing wounds. Skin cancer therapy is carried out within a specialized Skin Cancer Center certified by the German Cancer Society. The department's dermatologists successfully apply conservative treatment methods (ointments, gels, pills), advanced laser technologies and surgical techniques. Every year, the department admits more than 3,000 inpatients and about 50,000 outpatients. Close interdisciplinary cooperation and the very latest infrastructure of the university hospital ensure the highest level of medical services and the best treatment results, thanks to which the department has an impeccable reputation throughout Europe and beyond.

According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Cardiac Surgery and Heart Transplantation ranks among the top German departments specializing in heart interventions! The department offers the full range of surgical treatment for cardiac pathologies of varying severity. A large number of the operations performed in the department are coronary artery bypass grafting and heart valve interventions, which are most often performed using minimally invasive techniques. The team of the department's surgeons is proud of their high success rates in surgical treatment and the prestigious quality certificates of the German Cardiac Society in the field of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and heart failure treatment. In addition, the medical facility enjoys the status of one of the best in the international medical arena for heart transplantation and the implantation of mechanical hemodynamic heart support systems. The department provides medical care in accordance with the very latest standards and offers the highest possible safety for patients. The surgical treatment is accurately planned and, if possible, operations are performed using sparing surgical techniques, without thoracotomy.

The Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pulmonology, Endocrinology and Infectology offers the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs and endocrine glands. The department also provides medical care for patients with infectious pathologies. The treatment is provided both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The department also has a modern Intensive Care Unit and an Emergency Service. Modern equipment for endoscopy, ultrasound examinations, in-house laboratory for endocrinological diagnostics and other capabilities of the department guarantee an accurate diagnosis, which is the key to successful treatment. The department's therapeutic options include drug therapy, diet therapy for diseases of the digestive tract, endoscopic procedures and other types of therapy. Each patient receives an individual treatment regimen, thanks to which the department's doctors manage to effectively restore the health of patients and provide them with a decent quality of life.

According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Cardiology and Angiology ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases! The department offers the full range of modern diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients suffering from heart disease, as well as lesions of the peripheral arteries and veins. The department's doctors have at their disposal excellent technical resources and many innovative techniques for the treatment of arrhythmias, heart failure and catheter-based treatment of coronary stenosis, heart valve defects, congenital heart defects in adults and other heart pathologies. The department's specialists can also boast of their exceptional experience in cardiac imaging tests. The department's unique offer is sports cardiology. The experts in this medical field carry out a set of tests to determine the maximum possible physical activity in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In addition, doctors specializing in sports cardiology carry out preventive examinations in healthy people. In this case, the purpose of the examination is to assess the risks of developing cardiovascular pathology with a particular physical activity.

The Department of Hematology and Oncology provides diagnostics and comprehensive treatment of diseases of the hematopoietic system, as well as solid tumors of various organs. Hematologists most often deal with the treatment of acute and chronic leukemias, malignant lymphomas, myelodysplastic syndromes, plasmacytomas and other pathologies. Chemotherapy is usually first-line therapy. The department's specialists also successfully perform bone marrow transplantation. In the field of oncology, the department provides effective treatment of various tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine glands, female and male reproductive system, skin cancer, soft tissue and bone sarcomas, head and neck malignancies, etc. The patients suffering from cancer are offered classical (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy) and innovative (immunotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy) treatment methods. Surgical resection of solid tumors is performed by specialized surgeons. The treatment regimen is developed individually for each patient at the tumor board, which plays an important role in achieving a successful treatment result.

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Oral, Maxillofacial Surgery offers the full range of surgical treatment for diseases, traumatic injuries, functional disorders and deformities of the jaw, oral cavity, teeth and face. The ​​department's doctors are also competent in facial plastic surgery, including facelift, blepharoplasty, otoplasty, rhinoplasty and scar revision in the maxillofacial area. The key areas of the department's clinical practice include the treatment of benign and malignant maxillofacial neoplasms, dysgnathia, diseases and injuries of the temporomandibular joint, correction of the maxillofacial malformations, as well as correction of the cleft lip and palate in children. The department successfully uses modern surgical techniques, which provide not only optimal therapeutic but also aesthetic results. An important part of the treatment is interdisciplinary collaboration with specialists in related medical fields. Many surgical interventions are performed on an outpatient basis, without compulsory hospitalization. There are 33 beds available for the accommodation of patients requiring inpatient treatment. The department's doctors annually admit more than 1,800 patients with various maxillofacial defects and pathologies.

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Neurosurgery, Spinal Surgery offers modern diagnostics and effective treatment of the full range of diseases, injuries, inflammatory processes, tumors and malformations of the brain, spinal cord and their meninges, as well as spinal diseases. Spinal surgery is performed in collaboration with doctors from the Department of Adult and Pediatric Traumatology, Orthopedic Surgery. The department admits adults and children with malformations of the nervous system, brain and spinal cord tumors, drug-resistant epilepsy and other diseases. As one of the largest medical facilities of this kind in Germany, the department's doctors annually perform more than 2,500 surgical interventions on the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerve endings. The department's specialists also perform over 400 spinal surgical procedures annually. To achieve high success rates of the surgical treatment, doctors use the very latest equipment, including neuronavigation systems. Thanks to this, surgeons not only successfully eliminate the pathology, but also guarantee the patient maximum safety. The department has 78 beds, including 14 beds in the Intensive Care Unit. The priority goal of the department's medical team is to provide high-quality treatment focused on the patient's needs.

According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Neurology and Epileptology ranks among the best German medical facilities specializing in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease! The department offers all the possibilities of modern medicine for the diagnostics and treatment of a wide range of diseases of the nervous system, including rare and especially complex ones. The treatment of stroke, epilepsy, movement disorders, neuromuscular diseases, chronic headaches, neurovascular diseases and nervous system cancers is of key interest for the department's medical team. The department has a specialized Stroke Unit for providing emergency care to stroke patients. Epilepsy is treated in a narrowly focused center known as one of the best in all of Germany. The treatment success is largely determined by the quality of the preliminary examination, and therefore the department has a progressive technical base allowing doctors to carry out comprehensive diagnostics of the nervous system and detect the slightest functional and structural disorders. The specialists in the field of neurosurgery and neuroradiology are actively involved in the therapeutic process. They regularly gather for boards to study complex clinical cases. With over 3,500 inpatients and about 7,000 outpatients annually, the department is one of the largest and most successful in its area of specialization in the country.

The Department of Adult and Pediatric Trauma Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery offers the full range of surgical and conservative treatment methods for musculoskeletal diseases and injuries. The department is a supraregional Trauma Center in Central Franconia. About 250 seriously injured patients receive medical care here every year. The department's specialists also annually admit more than 3,500 patients for inpatient treatment and provide outpatient care for about 25,000 patients. The department is recognized as one of the 10 largest and leading medical facilities specializing in the treatment of polytrauma in Germany. Its specialization also includes highly qualified medical care for patients with sports injuries. In addition, the department provides treatment for bone fractures, spinal fractures and polytrauma in children. The department successfully performs knee, hip, shoulder and elbow replacement surgery, including revision interventions to replace previously implanted prostheses. The surgeons of the medical facility have a perfect command of arthroscopic techniques and use them in the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. The department is distinguished by its successful experience in spinal surgery (in cooperation with neurosurgeons) and interventions on the pelvic bones, as well as in septic surgery.

The Department of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Adult and Pediatric Hand Surgery offers the full range of services in the areas of its specialization. The department performs aesthetic plastic interventions to correct the appearance, reconstructive plastic interventions to restore deformed parts of the body and their functions after injuries, burns, cancer, etc. The department has unique experience in performing surgical interventions for hand diseases, injuries and malformations, including in children. In addition, the spectrum is complemented by replantation surgery (around the clock). All operations are performed with the use of innovative microsurgical, laser and endoscopic techniques. Medical services comply with the international standards and are adapted to the particular clinical case of each patient. More than 1,000 patients receive inpatient care in the department every year, and about 5,000 patients visit the medical facility for outpatient consultations. The department performs more than 2,500 surgical interventions every year. Plastic surgeons apply all their experience and professional skills to give patients the appearance of their dreams and make it as natural as possible.

According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Radiation Therapy ranks among the best German medical facilities specializing in radiation therapy! The department offers the full range of services in this medical field and is one of the most modern departments of this kind in Germany. The medical facility provides comprehensive treatment for various malignant diseases, which includes both radiation therapy and maintenance therapy (for example, pain therapy, diet therapy). The department uses state-of-the-art technical equipment, which allows for the most effective irradiation of the cancer focus with minimal harm to healthy tissues. In addition, the department provides innovative types of treatment – interventional radiation therapy and regional deep hyperthermia. All medical services comply with the highest international standards, and the department's medical team strictly adheres to radiation protection standards. The department's doctors have long clinical experience, and therefore they competently select the optimal course of radiation therapy for each patient to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is provided in close cooperation with oncologists, chemotherapists and other experts from related specialties.

The Department of Nuclear Medicine offers the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services in the area of ​​its specialization. Of particular interest are PET/CT, PET/MRI, SPECT/CT, as well as innovative therapeutic methods of nuclear medicine, such as peptide radioreceptor therapy for neuroendocrine tumors, liver tumor radioembolization, and treatment of prostate cancer using radioligands to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA therapy). The department's doctors most often admit patients suffering from cancers, diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular system. The patients receive medical care from the highly qualified internationally renowned specialists with profound clinical training and rich experience. The department's doctors use only reliable radioisotopes, which do not have a harmful effect on the human body and do not cause any side effects. The patients are admitted both on an inpatient and outpatient basis.

According to the Focus magazine, the Department of Adult and Pediatric Urology, Andrology ranks among the best departments in Germany specializing in prostate cancer treatment! The department offers the full range of diagnostic and therapeutic services in the fields of its expertise. The department's medical team specializes in the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract in women and men, as well as in the treatment of pathologies of the reproductive system in adult men and children, andrological diseases in men. The primary focus of the clinical practice of the department's doctors is medical care for patients with kidney, bladder, ureteral, urethral, prostate, testicular and penile cancers. The department's specialists keep pace with medical innovations, so most surgical interventions are performed using sparing laparoscopic techniques that do not require large incisions in the skin and soft tissues. To treat prostate cancer, doctors successfully use robot-assisted prostatectomy with the da Vinci surgical system. This intervention has many advantages over classical surgery and is available only in the best hospitals in the world. In addition, the department's doctors demonstrate excellent results in the treatment of kidney stone disease, urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. A specially trained team of doctors has been formed for the treatment of urological pathologies in children. Of particular interest is the correction of congenital genitourinary anomalies in young patients.

According to Focus magazine, the Department of Nephrology ranks among the best specialized Nephrology Centers in Germany! The department provides both diagnostics and treatment of all congenital and acquired kidney diseases, arterial hypertension caused by kidney lesions, as well as their complications. Particular attention is paid to kidney failure, for the treatment of which doctors use all types of renal replacement therapy up to kidney transplant (in cooperation with specialized surgeons). The department's medical team offers a unique experience in care for patients before and after kidney transplant. The preoperative phase includes a comprehensive assessment of surgical risks and expected outcomes, while therapeutic measures after the transplant surgery are aimed at preventing rejection of the transplanted kidney. The medical facility has well-equipped diagnostic and therapeutic rooms, including an advanced Renal Replacement Therapy Unit specializing in dialysis. Patients most often undergo hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. The department's doctors provide patients with high-quality medical services focused on meeting their individual needs and wishes.

The Department of Rheumatology offers the full range of medical services for the prevention, diagnostics and treatment of rheumatic diseases. The department specializes in conservative treatment of inflammatory, degenerative and dystrophic joint diseases, as well as systemic connective tissue diseases. Without timely treatment, rheumatic diseases often affect internal organs, including the heart and kidneys. In this case, therapy is provided in cooperation with highly specialized doctors. The main weapon of the department's rheumatologists is drug therapy based on the use of modern biological drugs, physiotherapy, therapeutic exercises, ergotherapy, balneotherapy. With severe joint damage, doctors resort to arthroscopic interventions and joint replacement surgery. Such surgical procedures are performed by a team of orthopaedic surgeons. Treatment is prescribed in accordance with current clinical protocols, on an individual basis, and therefore doctors achieve high treatment success rates.

The Department of Vascular Surgery offers the full range of diagnostics and surgical treatment of vascular diseases. The department specializes in the surgical treatment of carotid artery stenosis, open and endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm, as well as in the treatment of occlusive peripheral arterial disease. In addition, the department deals with the treatment of patients with venous diseases and diabetic foot syndrome. The priority areas of work of vascular surgeons also include the correction of both common and rare types of vascular malformations. The department's specialists cooperate closely with interventional radiologists and angiologists, so patients can count on an interdisciplinary approach to treatment. Surgical treatment is carried out in progressive operating rooms with state-of-the-art surgical equipment and computer-assisted systems for vital signs monitoring. The department successfully uses sparing endovascular techniques to avoid severe postoperative complications and minimize postoperative pain. The optimal type of surgical treatment is prescribed to the patient based on his specific clinical indications, stage of vascular disease, general health condition, age and other decisive factors. Whenever possible, preference is given to minimally invasive surgery.

The Department of Pediatric Cardiology offers the full range of highly accurate diagnostics and effective treatment of congenital and acquired heart defects in children. Pediatric cardiologists admit patients of all age groups, including newborns. The department's specialists annually perform many diagnostic examinations of the heart and more than 300 cardiac catheterization procedures, including those for therapeutic purposes. The competence of pediatric cardiologists also includes monitoring of adults with congenital heart defects, which is carried out within the certified center. Pediatric cardiologists cooperate closely with pediatric cardiac surgeons and often jointly develop the most effective treatment regimens to restore normal heart function in children. Particular importance is attached to caring attitude towards young patients. The medical facility has created all the conditions for parents to be close to their children during treatment.

The Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery offers the full range of modern surgical interventions for congenital and acquired heart defects in children. The surgical treatment corresponds to the highest level of university medicine. All cardiac surgeons working in the department have excellent qualifications and vast clinical experience required for the successful treatment outcomes in the long term. Of particular importance is the optimal preoperative preparation and postoperative care, as well as communication with young patients aimed at establishing a trusting relationship and overcoming the child's fear. Many young patients receive sparing minimally invasive treatment, which excludes severe pain syndrome, high risks of postoperative complications and a long hospital stay. The department is a leader in the area of its specialization in Germany. In addition, the medical facility regularly demonstrates one of the highest success rates in the treatment of pediatric heart pathologies in Europe.

The Department of Thoracic Surgery offers all types of modern surgical interventions for the treatment of diseases of the lungs, thorax and mediastinal organs. The team of the department's surgeons specializes in operations of any complexity, ranging from minor diagnostic interventional procedures to serious operations using a heart-lung machine. One of the key clinical interests of the department's doctors is lung cancer treatment. The patients with this diagnosis receive interdisciplinary treatment that combines tumor resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Another area of ​​specialization of the medical facility is laser thoracic surgery, which allows preserving the lung parenchyma, for example, in the treatment of lung metastases. The range of services is complemented by surgical correction of thoracic deformities in adults, for example, pectus excavatum, and minimally invasive endoscopic treatment of hyperhidrosis. In addition, the department's thoracic surgeons have a wealth of experience in innovative video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

The Department of Pediatric Surgery offers the full range of classic and innovative surgical interventions for the treatment of various diseases in children of all age groups – from 0 to 18 years old. The department is proud of its 200 years of tradition and colossal clinical experience in the field of surgical treatment of children. The medical facility performs more than 1,000 operations every year. Many minor interventions are performed on an outpatient basis, so young patients can leave the hospital on the same day. With appropriate clinical indications, the department's pediatric surgeons use minimally invasive techniques, which exclude large soft tissue incisions and severe postoperative pain syndrome. A large number of surgical procedures are for the treatment of inguinal hernias, correction of congenital malformations of genital organs in boys (phimosis, cryptorchidism and others), interventions for Hirschsprung's disease and correction of chest wall deformities. In especially complex clinical cases, pediatric doctors from related specialties are involved in the therapeutic process. The medical facility also offers infrastructure for the leisure of young patients, so they feel as comfortable as possible and can easily tolerate hospitalization.

The Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine offers the full range of diagnostics and treatment for children (including premature babies and newborns) and adolescents of all age groups. The department provides care in various medical fields. It includes specialized outpatient clinics, which allow offering all patients the optimal treatment depending on their specific disease and age. The key to high efficiency of therapeutic measures is excellent qualifications of the experienced department's doctors. A number of diseases are treated within the special interdisciplinary Centers of Excellence. For example, these include the Perinatal Center, the Epilepsy Center, the Cancer Center, etc. These centers have at their command the very latest diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The department's doctors are competent in conservative therapy. If the child requires surgical treatment, pediatric surgeons are involved in the therapeutic process. The specialists work in accordance with the current recommendations of the German Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine (DGKJ) and regularly demonstrate good treatment results.

According to the Focus magazine, the Department of General, Abdominal, Endocrine, Colorectal and Bariatric Surgery ranks among the top German departments specializing in colon cancer treatment! The department offers the full range of modern surgical interventions. The priority field of ​​clinical activity is cancer surgery, in particular, sparing minimally invasive procedures and robot-assisted interventions. Each patient receives an individual therapy regimen, which is discussed at daily medical boards with doctors from other medical fields. In addition, the ​​responsibility of the medical facility includes surgeries for endocrine disorders and bariatric interventions for morbid obesity. The team of the department's surgeons has a wealth of experience in classical open and minimally invasive procedures on the abdominal organs, as well as specializes in the innovative da Vinci robot-assisted surgery. The department also successfully performs cytoreductive interventions.