News
Archive (Posts older than one year)
May 2026
ZweiChirurgen Reaches Surgical Milestone
In May 2026, the ZweiChirurgen team successfully performed its 3,000th hernia surgery, marking a significant milestone in the care of hernia patients. The procedures focused primarily on inguinal hernias, which accounted for 57% of all surgeries. These were followed by umbilical hernias (24%), incisional hernias (10%), reconstruction of rectus diastasis (5%), and rarer types of hernias (4%). Since ZweiChirurgen was founded, a total of 17% of the procedures have been performed on an outpatient basis. In recent years in particular, there has been a significant increase in outpatient surgeries—a sign of the continuous advancement of modern, patient-friendly treatment standards. With this development, the entire ZweiChirurgen team underscores the high priority placed on quality-assured and state-of-the-art hernia surgery in northwestern Switzerland.
Annual Retreat of the Executive Board of the Swiss Hernia Society (SAHC)
PD Dr. Henry Hoffmann (President) and Prof. Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff (Working Group Member) attended the annual retreat of the Swiss Hernia Society (SAHC) in Lucerne. Over the course of two days, they discussed strategies and ideas for the further development of the professional society and hernia surgery in Switzerland.
April 2026
Physical Therapy for Rectus Diastasis? New Publication on the Topic by PD Dr. Hoffmann
A recent scientific publication by PD Dr. Hoffmann of ZweiChirurgen provides new insights into the treatment of rectus diastasis following pregnancy. Together with a European research team, he systematically evaluated the studies available to date and summarized their findings in a comprehensive review.
The analysis shows that structured physical therapy can have a positive impact on the resolution of rectus diastasis. At the same time, the study makes it clear that further research is needed in this area: Many questions remain unanswered, which is why the authors expressly recommend conducting further studies. The publication thus contributes to a better understanding of conservative treatment options and underscores the importance of targeted physical therapy interventions after childbirth.
ZweiChirurgen Publish Important Special Issue in «Hernia» zum Thema Rektusdiastase on Rectus Diastasis
The topic of rectus diastasis is becoming increasingly important in hernia surgery. At the same time, the scientific evidence is still in its early stages and is evolving rapidly. To provide an up-to-date overview, PD Dr. Hoffmann, as co-editor, has published a special issue in the renowned journal «Hernia» . In it, 17 selected studies summarize the latest state of research and provide valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of rectus diastasis.
ZweiChirurgen organize international workshop on «diastasis recti»
PD Dr. Hoffmann from ZweiChirurgen and Prof. Campagnelli (Italy) hosted the international «Rectus Diastasis» masterclass for the second time. Around 70 specialists traveled to Zurich to discuss the latest treatment approaches using real-life case studies during an intensive hands-on session. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the speakers from Italy, Sweden, Portugal, Abu Dhabi, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland for their valuable contributions. ZweiChirurgen is one of the few centers in Switzerland that takes an interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of rectus diastasis.
ZweiChirurgen once again represented at an international workshop
For the 43rd time, the renowned international «Davos Course» took place in Davos. Around 400 participants from Switzerland and abroad took the opportunity to further develop their practical skills using training models and to expand their expertise through interactive lectures. PD Dr. Hoffmann was once again actively involved, contributing his expertise as an instructor and speaker in the field of hernia surgery.
February 2026
Podcast with PD Dr. Hoffmann on the topic of «groin pain»
In this podcast, PD Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Felix Rühlmann (Karlsruhe, Germany) discuss a high-profile study by ZweiChirurgen on risk factors for the development of chronic pain after inguinal hernia surgery.
Prof. Philipp Kirchhoff on Medgate
As every year, Prof. Philipp Kirchhoff from ZweiChirurgen informed the doctors of the leading telemedicine platform Medgate about proctology and hernias.
Two surgeons have been working very successfully with Medgate for years.
January 2026
ZweiChirurgen at renowned European hernia conference
PD Dr. Hoffmann was a speaker at the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Europe congress in London. More than 300 surgeons travelled to London to discuss the latest developments in hernia surgery.
ZweiChirurgen Annual Report 2025
Our 2025 annual report is available for download.
December 2025
ZweiChirurgen once again active in the «Drive to Help» aid project in Gambia
For the third year in a row, ZweiChirurgen has been involved in a charitable aid project in Gambia. Gambia is one of the smallest and poorest countries in Africa without a functioning healthcare system. The team of surgeons, anaesthetists, surgical and anaesthesia nurses from Germany and Switzerland treated patients at the ASB Clinic in Serekunda (Gambia) for three weeks. In total, more than 300 patients were seen and more than 100 operations were performed. In addition to treating broken bones, deep wound infections and burn injuries, many hernia operations were also performed. ZweiChirurgen will be actively involved in Gambia again next year.
November 2025
ZweiChirurgen at hernia conference in Mexico
PD Dr. Hoffmann was invited to speak at the first conference on robot-assisted hernia surgery in Latin America, alongside experts from around the world. More than 250 colleagues from Mexico, Central America, and South America gathered in the Mexican city of Guadalajara for two days to discuss the latest developments in robotic surgery. PD Dr. Hoffmann spoke about the possible applications of robotic technology in hernia and abdominal wall surgery, as well as the treatment of chronic groin pain.
October 2025
ZweiChirurgen host successful Swiss Hernia Days
For the eighth time, PD Dr. Hoffmann and Prof. Dr. Kirchhoff organized and hosted Switzerland’s only hernia conference, Swiss Hernia Days. Twenty-five experts and 350 participants from Switzerland and abroad came to Basel to discuss the latest developments in hernia surgery. Dr. Nowakowski from ZweiChirurgen was the moderator and speaker on the topic of «Treatment of Chronic Groin Pain».
For the fifth time, an anatomical workshop was held at the Anatomical Institute in Basel prior to the congress, where young colleagues were able to practice surgical techniques under the guidance of international experts. This makes the Swiss Hernia Days one of the most successful hernia congresses in Europe.
ZweiChirurgen publishes article on «rectus diastasis»
September 2025
ZweiChirurgen interviewed about rectus diastasis—a condition that is increasingly being treated surgically
One in three women suffers from an underestimated problem after pregnancy. Up to three in ten women are confronted with permanent rectus diastasis after giving birth. What can you do, when is surgery worthwhile, and how can it be prevented? Prof. Dr. Philipp Kirchhoff answered questions on the subject of rectus diastasis.
ZweiChirurgen with an important publication
Together with hernia experts from all over the world, Dr Hoffmann has published a high-ranking paper on the procedure for rare mesh infections after hernia operations in the specialist journal Surgery.
ZweiChirurgen operate on professional ice hockey player
Forward Dario Kummer from EHC Basel had to undergo surgery due to a groin problem. PD Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Önder Ögredici successfully operated on the professional ice hockey player. Thanks to minimally invasive surgical techniques, he can now resume training one week after the operation.
We wish Dario all the best and many more goals this season.
August 2025
Successful surgery for professional soccer player Leonardo Bertone from FC Thun
PD Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Önder Ögredici successfully operated on the midfielder at the Merian Iselin Clinic in Basel. Thanks to robot-assisted surgery with gentle tissue preparation, he will be able to resume training just one day after the operation.
We wish him a continued speedy recovery!
June 2025
ZweiChirurgen on TeleBasel on the topic of «rectus diastasis», Part 2
Here you can see the second part of the report on rectus diastasis at Diagnose on teleBasel.
telebasel.ch
swissdiamondrepair.ch
ZweiChirurgen on TeleBasel on the topic of «rectus diastasis»
Find out more about rectus diastasis and the new Swiss Diamond Repair treatment concept in the exciting Diagnosis report from TeleBasel. Together with our cooperation partner in plastic surgery PD Dr. Rik Osinga and physiotherapists, we have developed a comprehensive treatment concept for rectus diastasis.
telebasel.ch
swissdiamondrepair.ch
ZweiChirurgen at the annual congress of the European Hernia Society EHS
PD Dr Hoffmann and Prof Dr Kirchhoff were invited speakers and moderators at this year’s EHS congress in Paris. Around 1700 surgeons from all over the world travelled to the French capital to exchange ideas.
PD Dr Hoffmann also took examinations for the European specialist title for hernia surgery (FEBS Abdominal Wall Surgery).