The University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH)
Following a decision by the state government of Schleswig-Holstein, the university hospitals in Kiel and Lübeck were merged in 2003 into a single institution, the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH).
Close collaboration between interdisciplinary research teams and clinical physicians enables the rapid integration of the latest scientific findings into modern diagnostic and therapeutic practices for patient care. The hospital offers the full spectrum of contemporary medicine. The combination of research, teaching, and patient care ensures treatment at the highest international standards.
Key Figures and Facts
As the largest employer in the region, UKSH is responsible for more than 16,000 employees, for whom work, family, and health are top priorities. Physicians and healthcare staff are committed to serving patients in need and strive every day to provide the best possible care.
UKSH comprises over 80 clinics and centers, employing approximately 13,500 staff members, including around 2,000 physicians, scientists, and researchers, as well as 3,600 nursing personnel. Each year, approximately 450,000 outpatient and inpatient cases are treated at UKSH.
According to the Newsweek 2025 ranking, the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein is among the top hospitals in Germany. Based on expert evaluations, patient surveys, and hygiene standards, UKSH achieved a score of 76.16%.
Core Areas of Expertise
Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic, Vascular and Transplant Surgery
Owing to the extensive experience of its specialists in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, the department has held the status of a German Center of Excellence for Minimally Invasive Surgery (DGAV) since 2013. As a tertiary referral center, it offers the full range of minimally invasive, organ-preserving treatments for oncological diseases at the highest level.
Technological innovations at the Center, such as 3D laparoscopy, mini-laparoscopy, laparoscopic fluorescence imaging, and robot-assisted surgery, support its leading position in the field.
The department’s physicians have extensive expertise in the following areas:
- Thoracic diseases (thoracic surgery)
- Vascular surgery
- Interventional vascular medicine (large and small vessels)
- Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
- Surgical treatment of upper gastrointestinal tract diseases
- Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery
- Treatment of complex oncological diseases of the abdominal and thoracic cavities
Each year, the department performs more than 3,000 surgical procedures and treats over 10,000 outpatients.
According to FOCUS magazine, the Head of the Department of Surgery, Professor Tobias Keck, is ranked among the top surgeons in Germany. Professor Keck also serves as Vice President of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV).
Source: https://www.uksh.de/