Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer. In Switzerland, regular colonoscopies are covered by insurance for people aged 50 and over. These are worthwhile because they enable precancerous lesions to be detected and removed before they become a problem. However, even colon cancer that has already manifested can be surgically removed if detected early. In most cases, minimally invasive surgery can be performed, i.e., using the buttonhole technique without a large abdominal incision. 

If the colon cancer has progressed beyond a certain stage or has already formed metastases, chemotherapy must also be recommended. Visceral Surgery Bellaria works closely with colleagues in oncology and radiation oncology to ensure the best possible treatment for its patients.

When diverticula become inflamed, this is referred to as diverticulitis. Patients usually feel pain in the left middle and lower abdomen. Inflammation of the diverticula can often be treated conservatively with antibiotics and painkillers. Severe inflammation or even recurrent diverticulitis requires surgery. Due to scarring after inflammation, the intestine becomes rigid and can also stenose, i.e., narrow. Patients then often have constant abdominal pain and problems with bowel movements. A serious complication of acute inflammation is intestinal perforation, in which intestinal gas and stool can leak into the abdominal cavity. If surgery is necessary, it can usually be performed using a minimally invasive technique, i.e., keyhole surgery.

The gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile, which is used to digest food. If stones form in the gallbladder, they can enter the bile duct. This can cause severe pain, known as colic, and a stone that has passed can block the bile duct, leading to severe inflammation and pain. The gallbladder can become inflamed even without stones. In both cases, the gallbladder must be completely removed. This is usually done very gently with minimally invasive surgery, i.e., using the buttonhole technique.

Reflux disease is widespread. The problem can often be remedied by changing lifestyle habits, i.e., reducing or, ideally, eliminating coffee, cigarettes, alcohol, and losing weight. In some cases, medication can also provide satisfactory relief. In other cases, such as a diaphragmatic hernia that changes the position of the stomach, reflux can also be treated surgically. These procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, i.e., keyhole surgery.

Crohn's disease is a condition that usually originates in the distal small intestine and affects the entire intestinal wall. This can cause fistulas to form between the overlapping intestinal loops. These may need to be surgically repaired. The same applies to narrowings and abscesses that may develop. Crohn's disease patients do not have an increased risk of colon cancer.

Ulcerative colitis, on the other hand, affects the mucous membrane of the intestine and spreads continuously from distal to oral. Complications can include severe bleeding and inflammation. There is an increased risk of colorectal cancer, which requires regular gastroenterological and colonoscopic monitoring. 

Liver diseases are varied and in many cases are treated purely internally. Sometimes, however, especially in the case of tumors of the organ, surgeons must take action. The liver has an extremely rich blood supply, as one of its functions is to filter out and break down toxins. However, this means that excessive stress, such as from alcohol, also affects the liver. Tumor cells from other organs circulating in the blood can also settle in the liver and grow as metastases. These are usually removed surgically. These procedures can often be performed using minimally invasive techniques, i.e., using headlight technology.