BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen

Specialist know-how and state-of-the-art technology

We, the physicians, nurses, carers of the BG Trauma Clinic Ludwigshafen who are specialised in anaesthesia and intensive medicine safely conduct operations, treatments of acute and chronic pain, care on the intensive station and emergency treatment in the case of accidents or disease.
Our specialist area of anaesthesiology is based on four pillars:
•    anaesthesia
•    intensive medicine
•    pain therapy
•    emergency medicine

Anaesthesia

In addition to the humane treatment and care of our patients, anaesthesia involves the application of high technology before, during and after the operation. To this end we use modern technology that helps us to save lives by measuring, supporting and even replacing key organ functions: from the measurement of circulatory parameters through the support of respiration with the latest ventilator machines to the replacement of renal function by haemodiafiltration. Our anaesthetists and specialist nursing staff for anaesthesia and intensive medicine have extensive experience in dealing with these devices and, at the same time, never lose sight of the prime objective of the well-being of their patients.

In the process we make use of, among other things, the following procedures:

• high proportion of regional anaesthesia
• regional anaesthesia with ultrasound
• emergency medicine (care of severely injured patients (with polytraumata and care of patients with severe burns)
• sepsis therapy
• ventilation including percussive high-frequency ventilation
• renal replacement therapy (haemodiafiltration)
• intracranial pressure measurement
• inhalative sedation in intensive care
• invasive haemodynamic monitoring
• autohaemotherapy
• coagulation diagnostics with rotation thromboelastometry
• treatment of acute and chronic pain with the special Facilities: the pain centre and day clinic

Intensive care

At present the BG Trauma Clinic Ludwigshafen maintains 12 intensive care beds. They are managed by the Anaesthesia department. The patients are jointly treated with the operational specialist departments. All vital parameters are constantly monitored and medicines are administered by intravenous lines.
This is where high-tech saves lives. However, technology by itself is not enough. On the IC station, individual care and attention are vital. After all not only patients but also their nearest and dearest are tested to their limits and need attention, care and trust. The topmost priority is to maintain calm; it gives those affected a feeling of security and helps the team to deal correctly with critical situations.

The daily schedule in intensive care can only be planned to a limited extent, unforeseen events and emergencies are constant factors. Therefore the organisational skills and professionalism of the caring staff are especially important: in three shifts up to twelve severely injured and seriously ill patients are cared for around the clock. In particular, the care of patients with organ or circulatory failure demands special knowledge from the staff. Patients with multiple injuries or life-threatening illnesses also need intensive and often also very intensive care.

The diagnostic and treatment options available in intensive care include:
•    ventilation including high-frequency jet ventilation
•    renal replacement therapy (haemodiafiltration)
•    intracranial pressure measurement
•    invasive haemodynamic monitoring

Pain therapy: focus on acute and chronic pain

Good pain therapy is extremely important especially after operations and injuries. In our clinic we work to specific standards. The basis of these standards is the education of patients about pain. Pain measurement – independent measurement by the patient on a 0-10 pain scale – as well as consistent treatment of the pain according to the WHO multi-stage concept.
So that chronic pain can be more effectively treated, the BG Trauma Clinic Ludwigshafen has set up a special pain centre. In this centre anaesthetists, psychologists, physiotherapists, ergotherapists and other specialist groups with special training in pain therapy work together on an interdisciplinary basis. The interdisciplinary pain diagnosis takes a whole day. It is appropriate with complex chronic pain syndromes. In the process all bio-psycho-social aspects are taken into account. At its conclusion the team draws up a joint treatment recommendation.

The pain centre's day clinic offers a partially in-patient treatment programme – unique in Germany – that is specifically tailored to transport-related or occupational accidents. Physicians, psychological pain therapists, ergotherapists and physiotherapists work closely together in the treatment team. The aim of this four-week therapy programme is the improved management of the pain, an increase in resilience and physical condition as well as rapid occupational re-integration.