Competencies > Medical core competencies > Oncology
Oncology
Oncology is the medical discipline concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care of tumour patients The Hirslanden Group of Private Hospitals is among the leading providers in the field of oncology and haematology in Europe. The most modern technology, the best medical infrastructure as well as many years of medical and nursing experience in caring for cancer patients give patients the needed feeling of security.
Hirslanden specialises in comprehensive treatment from the diagnosis to rehabilitation. Highly qualified specialist knowledge, the development of our own standards and a modern, seamless documentation have only one goal in mind - the recovery of our patients.
Diagnosis
The detection, the depiction and the precise localisation of the primary tumour are of the greatest importance in the successful treatment of a tumour. The most modern technologies such magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), computer tomography (CT), nuclear medicine and interventional, digital imaging procedures form the basis for making a successful diagnosis.
These methods are used especially for diseases of the brain, the spinal cord or the internal organs (e.g. prostate, lungs, and intestines). On the basis of the diagnosis specialised teams of physicians decide on therapy procedures that are individualised to the patients.
One distinguishes three main forms of therapy that can each be used individually or in combination depending on the type and localisation of the tumour.
In medical oncology chemotherapies as well as hormonal or immunotherapies are used. In order to be able to stave off side effects more effectively regular specialist examinations during and immediately after therapy are essential.
Radiooncology has experienced enormous advances in recent years. At its Institutes for Radiooncology, Hirslanden offers one of the best equipment infrastructures in all of Europe.
This includes a linear accelerator that is equipped with the latest technologies for the most modern radiotherapy. With it a treatment technology is carried out, which makes it possible to adapt the individual radiation fields to the tumour volume. The great benefit of it is the protection of adjacent healthy tissue.
As one of the first institutes in Europe the Institute for Radiooncology uses an "on board imaging" system" (OBI). This provides the ability to check the precise positioning of the patient before and during therapy and to monitor exactly the tumour behaviour under radiation. As a result the tumour can be irradiated with higher doses and the healthy surrounding tissue can be better protected. The local probability of cure is improved, and definitely fewer side effects occur.
Institutes for radiotherapy
Institutes for radio-oncology
The use of the "gamma knife" for brain tumours and certain malformations of the blood vessels of the brain is groundbreaking. The advantage of this treatment method is that it can be performed under local anaesthesia in a single session without opening the skull.
Through the most precise positioning of the patient the metastasis is the exclusive focal point. The procedure guarantees that practically no radiation damage occurs to the surrounding healthy structures of the brain. The Hirslanden Group of Private Hospitals operates the only "gamma knife" in Switzerland.
Minimally invasive operation technologies are used wherever possible in surgery, since the advantages are apparent: less pain, quicker mobility, shorter rehabilitation and minimal scar formation due to cosmetic, small incisions.
In the field of urology the Hirslanden Group of Private Hospitals has taken a further step with "da Vinci technology" towards better operation outcomes due to greater precision. The "da Vinci" surgical robot transfers the hand movements of the surgeon to the instruments that have been placed through small incisions in the abdomen of the patient. The surgeon controls the movements via a three-dimensional view and a one to ten times enlargement.
Da-Vinci Technology
Urology Centre
These worldwide leading treatment methods and most modern surgical techniques are employed at the Hirslanden Group of Private Hospitals.
An interdisciplinary coordination of the various specialists is prerequisite for the optimal care of our patients. The teams of the Hirslanden clinics consist of specialists in radiooncology/radiation therapy, oncology/haematology, internal medicine, surgeons of the most varied disciplines and medical physicists.
In collaboration with your physician we provide the necessary follow-up examinations after your oncological treatment or operation.