PD Dr med. Christoph Benckert

High-performance medicine – for PD Dr. med. Christoph Benckert, this means exploring the best chances in the therapy of diseases of the abdominal cavity and, at the same time, finding the gentlest form of treatment. For this reason, he has specialised, among other things, in image-guided, minimally invasive surgery of diseases affecting the liver, intestine, gall bladder and pancreas, as well as the stomach and oesophagus.

However, PD Dr. med. Christoph Benckert not only feels at home in minimally invasive surgery; major surgical procedures such as liver transplants are also part of his area of expertise. The experienced physician, who started his career at the Charité Berlin and worked as a senior physician at the Clinic for Visceral, Transplant, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at Leipzig University Hospital and at Magdeburg University Hospital, is very concerned that patients get back on their feet as quickly as possible, even after major abdominal surgery.

This requires not only an operation tailored to individual needs, but also extensive consultation, which takes place before the operation, and is intended to improve the possibilities for convalescence. This can include, for example, changing a patient’s diet or losing weight. The ERAS concept that PD Dr. med. Christoph Benckert has introduced at his clinic also includes treatments that increase mobility as quickly as possible after surgery.

Oncology research

Within research, Dr Benckert has made a name for himself in the study and treatment of liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma, among other things. For example, he was involved in studies investigating repeat liver resection for recurrent liver metastases and survival with extended liver resection for liver metastases.

The experienced physician has also conducted research on prognosis factors of malignant neoplasms of the liver, pancreas and gall bladder. The findings of these studies flow into his work, from which patients benefit.

Active in continuing medical education

PD Dr. med. Christoph Benckert attaches great importance to passing on his knowledge and to exchanging and networking with other medical professionals – not least, in order to provide his patients with the best possible treatment. For example, as Scientific Director at Magdeburg University Hospital, he trained doctors in the treatment of liver tumours in surgical workshops, among other things. In addition, he has supervised doctoral students and, as Head Physician of the Vivantes Clinic Spandau, one of his concerns is the interdisciplinary care of patients.