University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf: Obesity surgery in Germany

The University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) is one of the largest hospitals in northern Germany. It has a long tradition of treating international patients, with patients seeking treatment in Germany from UKE’s renowned professors and doctors.

Professor Dr. Jakob R. Izbicki leads the general surgery team at UKE and offers the best possible treatment for pathological obesity, with the UKE being one of the largest obesity treatment centres in Germany. The UKE each year treats almost 300 patients seeking obesity treatment and nearly 200 of them surgically.

Am I eligible for obesity surgery in Germany?

If conservative (non-surgical) treatment options fail such as drug therapy, then surgical procedures for treating obesity may be a last resort for certain patients. You are eligible for obesity surgery if have:

Body mass index > 40kg/m2
Body mass index > 35kg/m2 with serious co morbidities
Obesity present for more than 5 years
Exclusion of metabolic disorders
No unstable psychiatric illnesses, alcohol abuse, or drug use
Ability of the patient to co-operate
Acceptable surgical risk

Extreme obesity treatment abroad in Germany

UKE can treat even extreme forms of obesity (BMI > 60kg/m2). In these cases bypass procedures are generally an option. Your consultant will determine which procedure is suitable for you during a personal consultation.

Find out if you are suitable for obesity surgery abroad.

Weight loss surgery in Germany

All weight loss surgery procedures are minimally invasive, using the keyhole technique (laparoscopy). In suitable patients the single-port technique (SILS, only one trocar) or passage through natural body openings (NOS, NOTES) can be considered. These innovative methods reduce postoperative pain and offer better cosmetic results since they are mostly invisible.

Gastric Band

The gastric band is an aid that can facilitate weight loss by reducing food intake. During the gastric band surgery an adjustable band is placed around the stomach, dividing it into a small new stomach close to the esophagus and a residual stomach. If all goes as planned, the patient loses approximately 50% of his excess weight over time. Read more about gastric band surgery in Germany.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive procedure during which a large portion of the stomach is removed. The stomach thus loses much of its capacity, ensuring that only small portions can be ingested. This surgery is usually performed only as part of a combined restrictive/malabsorptive procedure. Read more about sleeve gastrectomy surgery in Germany.

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypasses are among the most commonly used surgical procedures. Sections of the small intestine are bypassed to reduce the surface area for absorption and less food can be digested. After the operation the patient must take certain vitamin, iron, mineral, and trace element supplements for the rest of his life. Read more about gastric bypass surgery in Germany.

Duodenal Switch

A duodenal switch procedure is usually considered in cases of extreme obesity. It consists of a stomach reduction by means of a sleeve procedure and a malabsorptive aspect with a relatively short common small intestinal channel, and to reduce the risk of surgery can be performed in two stages. Read more about duodenal switch surgery in Germany.

Biliopancreatic Diversion

Similar to a duodenal switch procedure, a biliopancreatic diversion can be performed in cases of extreme obesity. The procedure is again consists of a stomach reduction and a malabsorptive aspect with a significantly shorter common small intestinal channel. Read more about biliopancreatic diversion surgery in Germany.

Remedial Operations

In cases in where the gastric band has not led to sufficient weight loss surgery or the desired result, then the patient can have further surgery to convert it to a gastric bypass. Read more about remedial obesity operations in Germany.

Medical tourism services for obesity treatment abroad

The UKE International Office was founded to optimally support international guests who come with different goals and expectations during the planning and implementation of their stays at the UKE.

From the first inquiry to the departure to the home country, the dedicated employees of the International Office will guide patients in all administrative and organizational matters, paying special attention to personal, cultural, and religion-related needs. All incoming requests are handled in this department. English, Russian, Arabic and Bulgarian speaking case managers assure a smooth process for all guests.

Contact details

UKE International Office
Martinistraße 52
Building O43
20246 Hamburg

Tel: +49 40 7410 51690
Fax: +49 40 7410 51691

Email: patients@uke.de

Website: www.uke-io.de

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