Dr. med. Bernhard Hofer - Specialist for Surgery, Visceral Surgery & Proctology

One could say that a coincidence led me on my way to proctology. In 2001 I worked as a young specialist in the Starnberg Clinic and was chosen by the then head physician Dr. Stahlknecht to assist him in the proctological consultation. Shortly thereafter the chief physician died unexpectedly and I "inherited" his office hours.

At that time, my knowledge of proctology seemed to me completely inadequate and I decided to spend some time at St. Marks Hospital in London - the first and still one of the leading clinics specialising in proctology in Europe. It was only there that I realized how many patients suffer from proctological diseases, how differentiated examination and treatment must be and how few colleagues have profound knowledge in this fascinating discipline. I then applied to Professor Hager, one of the leading proctologists in Germany and co-founder of the German Society of Coloproctology. In the course of a two-year activity, I learned proctology from him "from the ground up". Back in Upper Bavaria, I established a special proctological consultation at Klinikum Dachau, which I managed on my own responsibility until the branch in 2013.

Similarly, the trend towards alternative treatment methods for coccyx fistulas was coincidental. A colleague at the Starnberg Clinic had had conventional surgery on a coccyx fistula at the time and told me about the very stressful and lengthy follow-up treatment. My research finally brought me to John Bascom from the USA, who taught me the basics of his treatment methods through instructions, videos and constant readiness to give advice in difficult cases. Since the year 2000 I have been dealing with the then just emerging development of laser medicine in proctology and integrated it into the concept of pit picking according to Bascom and Lord.

What fascinates me about proctology is that you can use proven treatment methods to help many patients out of a real emergency. In addition, I can advance the further development of treatment methods myself using modern technology. In my opinion, self-employment offers the advantage of being able to constantly improve both the actual treatment and the "surroundings".

When dealing with patients, I am always aware of the fears and anxieties that move the patient in such a delicate part of the body, especially when there is a problem. Through an understanding conversation without noticeable time pressure and a careful examination I create the basis for a trustful treatment.

Your Dr. Bernhard Hofer