General and Digestive Surgery

"Our centre, being a pioneer in the implementation of new surgical techniques, is a national and international benchmark centre".

DR. FERNANDO ROTELLAR
DIRECTOR. GENERAL AND DIGESTIVE SURGERY DEPARTMENT

Merco Salud 2025 General Surgery recognition seal image. Clínica Universidad de Navarra

The Clinic's Department of General and Digestive Surgery is integrated by a team of professionals who are highly experienced in the surgical treatment of diseases related to the abdominal area, such as endocrine or pancreatic diseases.

We are pioneers in the implementation of new surgical techniques, for which we stand out as a centre of reference both at national and international level.

We work jointly with other departments in order to offer the best therapeutic plan to the patient and to establish new protocols that will improve the survival and well-being of patients.

Imagen del icono de la consulta de Segunda Opinión. Clínica Universidad de Navarra

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Comprehensive care for our patient

IN NAVARRE AND MADRID

We operate on the esophagus and stomach, both for benign conditions such as reflux and hiatal hernia and for tumors, using minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic approaches that reduce pain and shorten recovery.

When reflux cannot be controlled with medication or a hiatal hernia causes symptoms, surgery rebuilds the mechanism that keeps stomach contents from rising into the esophagus.

Techniques we performNissen, Toupet, and Dor fundoplications, performed laparoscopically or robotically.

We remove the section of esophagus affected by the tumor and reconstruct the digestive tract, tailoring the approach to the location and stage.

Techniques we performtranshiatal, Ivor-Lewis, and Akiyama esophagectomy, performed laparoscopically, robotically, or through a single port.

We remove the part of the stomach affected by the tumor, preserving as much as possible and reconstructing the tract to maintain digestive function.

Techniques we performpartial, subtotal, and total gastrectomy, performed laparoscopically or robotically.

We treat obesity and its associated conditions through bariatric surgery. We choose the most suitable technique for each person based on their body mass index, the conditions that accompany it, and their long-term health goals.

Techniques we performsleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, SADI-S, and biliopancreatic diversion.

When a previous bariatric operation does not achieve the expected result or complications arise, we assess and perform a second procedure tailored to each situation.

We treat conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus, from colorectal cancer to benign disease and functional disorders of the pelvic floor. It is one of the department's broadest areas.

We remove the tumor and the affected segment of bowel following oncological criteria, prioritizing whenever possible the preservation of function and a minimally invasive approach.

Techniques we performsegmental colon resections, anterior resection of the rectum, abdominoperineal resection, subtotal colectomy with ileorectal or ileosigmoid anastomosis, total proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch, local excision, transanal resection (including TAMIS), pelvic exenteration, and diverting stomas.

We operate on ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease when medical treatment is not enough or complications arise, aiming to control the disease and preserve as much healthy bowel as possible.

Techniques we performproctocolectomy with ileostomy or with ileoanal pouch, strictureplasties in Crohn's disease, and segmental bowel resections.

We operate on diverticular disease when it causes complications or repeated episodes that do not resolve with medical treatment.

Techniques we performcolectomies.

We offer everything from minimally invasive in-office treatments to surgery, depending on the grade and symptoms, to choose the least aggressive option that solves the problem.

Techniques we performsurgical hemorrhoidectomy (Milligan-Morgan, Ferguson), rubber band ligation, infrared photocoagulation, sclerotherapy, dearterialization with hemorrhoidopexy, and laser hemorrhoidoplasty.

We correct the descent of the rectum to restore normal anatomy and improve continence, using an abdominal or perineal approach depending on the case.

Techniques we performAltemeier procedure, Delorme procedure, and ventral rectopexy.

We treat anal fissure when it does not heal with conservative measures, with options aimed at relieving pain and promoting healing.

Techniques we performlateral internal sphincterotomy, V-Y anoplasties (rotation flaps), fissurectomy, and botulinum toxin injection.

We drain abscesses and treat perianal fistulas, aiming to heal the tract and preserve continence, with techniques matched to the complexity of each fistula.

Techniques we performabscess drainage, fistulectomy or fistulotomy with sphincter repair, loose draining seton or cutting seton, endoanal advancement flap, sealing with biological glues, stem cell or platelet-rich plasma therapy, laser closure of the tract, and the LIFT technique.

We treat pilonidal cysts and sinuses, from abscess drainage to reconstructive techniques that reduce recurrence and improve healing.

Techniques we performabscess drainage, laying open, Bascom I and II techniques, and other flaps.

We repair abnormal connections between the rectum and the vagina or bladder, choosing the surgical approach according to the cause and location.

Techniques we performlocal repair (endoanal advancement flap, transvaginal repair), transperineal repair (sliding flap, Martius procedure, gracilis interposition), and transabdominal repair.

We treat loss of bowel control with options ranging from nerve stimulation to sphincter repair, to restore continence and quality of life.

Techniques we performsacral nerve stimulation and anal sphincteroplasty.

We operate on the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas, including highly complex tumors and liver transplantation. This is a major surgical area that requires specialized teams and experience.

We treat primary liver tumors and metastases from other organs, combining surgery with targeted techniques when appropriate.

Techniques we performatypical hepatectomies and segmentectomies, radiofrequency ablation, chemoembolization, radioembolization, and electroporation.

We remove tumors of the bile ducts and reconstruct bile drainage, with approaches adapted to the tumor's location.

Techniques we performliver resection, biliary bypass, biliary resection, and bile duct surgery.

We treat pancreatic adenocarcinoma and other pancreatic tumors with complex surgery aimed at removing the tumor following oncological criteria. We also treat cystic and neuroendocrine tumors.

Techniques we performpancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, Appleby procedure, RAMPS (anterior and posterior), and total pancreatectomy.

We operate on severe forms of acute pancreatitis and on the sequelae of chronic pancreatitis when they require surgery.

Techniques we performin acute pancreatitis, drainage and lavage, debridement, and pancreatectomy; in chronic pancreatitis, pancreaticojejunal drainage, body-and-tail pancreatectomy, and pancreaticoduodenectomy.

We perform liver transplantation in patients with advanced liver disease, from both living and deceased donors.

We treat stones in the gallbladder and bile duct, the most common benign condition in this area.

Techniques we performcholecystectomy and bile duct exploration.

We repair hernias and abdominal wall defects to relieve symptoms and prevent complications, with techniques aimed at a lasting result and a quick recovery.

We correct inguinal hernia by reinforcing the weakened area of the wall, with an open or minimally invasive approach depending on the case.

We repair umbilical hernias and the separation of the abdominal rectus muscles, restoring the strength of the wall.

We treat hernias that appear over scars from previous surgery, including the most complex ones.

We operate on the adrenal glands, the thyroid, and the spleen, using a minimally invasive approach whenever possible.

We remove tumors of the adrenal gland, usually laparoscopically.

We surgically treat nodules, goiter, and thyroid tumors, preserving function when possible.

We perform removal of the spleen, splenectomy, in hematological diseases and other indications.

We treat peritoneal carcinomatosis, the spread of a tumor across the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It is a highly complex condition that we address in a specialized way, combining surgery with treatment directed at the abdominal cavity itself.

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Imagen de un rectángulo azul con un icono blanco de la cirugía de la obesidad.

The Surgery of Obesity

Bariatric surgery is the most effective mode of achieving long-term weight reduction and improving the health problems linked to this disease.

The Clinic, with a specialized team and over 20 years of experience, is an International Centre of Excellence in Obesity Surgery accredited by the International Federation for Bariatric Surgery (IFSO).

Imagen de un cuadrado azul con un icono blanco de un hígado.

Liver transplantation

At the Clinic we are at the forefront of performing living-donor liver transplants in Spain.

We have achieved magnificent results; in particular, the percentage of patients who have successfully undergone the total removal of the tumour is one of the highest in the country, a survival rate of 90% in patients transferred from the liver one year after the operation and nearly 85% five years later.

PERSONALISED TREATMENT

Innovative techniques

We boast extensive experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, of the adrenal gland, liver and pancreas, as well as in obesity surgery.

Retrato de una enfermera especializada del Área de Cáncer de Mama.


Specialised nursing

A team of nurses highly specialised in the surgical area and in post-operative care, for the rapid recovery of our patients.

Cirujano del Departamento de Cirugía General durante una intervención quirúrgica asistida por tecnología robótica.<br/>


Cutting-edge technology

Operating rooms equipped with the latest technology to perform all types of operations with the highest quality and safety conditions.

Trabajo conjunto del equipo quirúrgico en una intervención de cirugía general.<br/>


Teamwork

We are part of the multidisciplinary areas of the Clinic in order to offer the best surgical alternative, at the most appropriate time for the patient's recovery.

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Why choose the Clinic?

  • Cutting-edge therapeutic technology.
  • International reference professionals.
  • Safe and minimally invasive surgeries to ensure the rapid recovery of our patients.

Our team of professionals

More rapid recovery and better aesthetic results

Minimally invasive

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopy is the alternative to conventional open surgery that uses a small camera to view inside the abdomen.

A minimally invasive technique reduces hospital stays, minimises post-operative discomfort and shortens the recovery process.

 

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