Blog on Practice Dr. med. Olga Meier

Experience from Shanghai — new perspectives on esophageal cancer treatment

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

My time in Shanghai was an extremely valuable and insightful experience. What made it especially meaningful was the way it brought together a strategic vision for the treatment of esophageal cancer with practical technical insights shared across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Each region contributes its own perspectives and strengths to the management of esophageal cancer, making this international exchange particularly enriching.

What impressed me most in Shanghai was the remarkable surgical volume: up to seven esophageal procedures per day, with as many as three cases performed consecutively in a single day. Despite this high level of efficiency, the quality of care and surgical execution remained outstanding.

Milestone in oesophageal surgery — Da-Vinci-5 and cooperation with Tokyo

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The surgical treatment of oesophageal cancer is advancing rapidly thanks to modern technology. Klinik Hirslanden in Zurich is among the first institutions worldwide to use the new Da-Vinci-5 robotic system in this highly specialised field.

Precision through a new generation of robotics

Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. med. Paul Magnus Schneider, Chairman of the oesophageal cancer centre at Klinik Hirslanden certified by the Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft (DKG), the technology is being deployed in a targeted manner:

Two weeks at the National Cancer Center Japan — Department of Esophageal Surgery

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I expected to see an impressive surgical department. What I encountered was something more: a surgical philosophy translated into organised practice. The technique is based on a clearly defined anatomical concept, executed with precision and consistency.

Reproducibility as a principle of quality

What stands out is not only technical excellence — but reproducibility. A system that enables the entire team to perform at a consistently high level.

A culture of open knowledge

Beyond technique, the culture is remarkable. Questions are welcome. Discussions are encouraged. Knowledge is shared openly and systematically. Expertise is not concentrated in a single individual, but is embedded in a team structure that ensures continuity and growth.

Da Vinci SP training in Freiburg — new possibilities in oesophageal surgery

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

On 10 and 11 November 2024 I had the privilege of attending Intuitive’s da Vinci Single-Port (SP) training in Freiburg, Germany — two days of in-depth insight and hands-on experience with the da Vinci SP system.

Inspiration and hands-on practice

I am particularly grateful to Prof. Dr. Peter Grimminger for the unique inspiration around the SP system, and to Robert Breitbeck, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) for the outstanding organisation and continuous support. Noè Pozzan and Jan Ewald guided us throughout the training with exceptional hands-on instruction.

MIGES 2025 Masterclass in Singapore — an inspiring week

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The MIGES 2025 Masterclass (Minimally Invasive Esophageal and Gastric Surgery Masterclass) on 6 and 7 October 2025 in Singapore was, in every sense of the word, a masterclass.

I flew to Singapore expecting high-level training in minimally invasive gastric and oesophageal surgery. I am coming home with considerably more.

Surgical excellence — including the pitfalls

European and Asian faculty shared not only their expertise but also their pitfalls — the insights you will not find in any textbook. It is precisely this openness that gives events like these their real value.

ISDE World Congress 2025 in Brisbane — oesophageal surgery in international exchange

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The ISDE World Congress for Esophageal Diseases (18-20 September 2025) in Brisbane was an invaluable opportunity to exchange insights on oesophageal cancer treatment strategies, technical innovations, operative tips and tricks, and postoperative management with colleagues from Asia, the Americas, Australia and Europe.

Direct transfer into clinical practice

I am already integrating some of these insights into my clinical practice at Klinik Hirslanden in Zurich, Switzerland.

APITS 2025 Spring Conference in Seoul — Single-Port RATS Oesophagectomy with da Vinci SP

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

It was an honour and a joy to speak at the APITS 2025 Spring Conference and the KTCVS Conference in Seoul, South Korea — presenting on Single-Port RATS Esophagectomy using the da Vinci SP system.

Representing Prof. Grimminger

It was a particular privilege to represent my esteemed mentor, Prof. Dr. Peter Grimminger of the Universitätsmedizin Mainz, and to share experiences from our team with the Asia-Pacific specialist community.

EGYO Madrid 2025 — «Da Vinci SP: New Frontiers in Robotic Surgery»

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

What an inspiring day at the 10ª Reunión de Cirugía Esofago-Gástrica y Obesidad de Madrid y Zona Centro in the Parque del Retiro in Madrid.

Lecture «Da Vinci SP: New Frontiers in Robotic Surgery»

As part of the meeting I had the privilege of giving a lecture on Single-Port da Vinci in robotic surgery — new frontiers for minimally invasive procedures on the oesophagus and upper GI tract — and of sharing experiences from the Universitätsmedizin Mainz with the Spanish surgical community.

Innovation in robot-assisted surgery

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

At the University Medical Centre Mainz, Prof. Peter Grimminger performed the first single-port da Vinci robot-assisted cervical oesophagectomy (SP-RACE) in Europe in spring this year. The term SP-RACE stands for “Single-Port Robot-Assisted Cervical Esophagectomy” — a technique in which the oesophagus is removed minimally invasively, transabdominally and robotically, through a limited access in the cervical area.

This procedure is primarily indicated for patients with proximal oesophageal tumours. Because the technique does not require entry into the thorax and therefore avoids one-lung ventilation, it is also suitable for patients with reduced lung function for whom a transthoracic procedure is normally not an option.

Learning is experience. Everything else is just information.

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

Surgery has changed fundamentally over the past decades, driven by progress in robotics, artificial intelligence and personalised treatment. To ensure the highest standards of care, continuous knowledge exchange is indispensable for surgeons.

The University Medical Centre Mainz, with its high case volume and modern equipment, offers an ideal environment for comprehensive, systematic and high-quality surgical education and training.

I am very grateful that, as a fellow of the European Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ESDE), I have the opportunity to deepen my expertise here under Prof. Peter Grimminger — particularly in minimally invasive and robot-assisted oesophageal surgery.

The beginning of a new challenge

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The first month as ESDE Fellow with Professor Peter Grimminger at the University Medical Centre Mainz is already history — time for a first reflection.

After completing my training in visceral surgery and starting subspecialty training in oesophageal surgery under Prof. Paul Magnus Schneider (Klinik im Park, Hirslanden Zurich), it was not easy for me to begin a fellowship programme at this stage of my professional career.

After my first observership with Prof. Grimminger, which became possible after my training and first robot-assisted procedures with the Xi system through the manufacturer, all doubts were dispelled. The chance to be part of such a visionary team is a unique opportunity to develop efficiently.

Dexter Advanced Practitioner Certification

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

With this qualification I expand my skills in minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery.

The curriculum covered the application, components and operating modes of the Dexter system as well as practical exercises on operation in realistic scenarios. The Dexter Advanced Practitioner certification complements my previous Console-Surgeon certification on the Da Vinci Xi system (RAIN Robotic Academy, Naples) and broadens the platform spectrum for minimally invasive procedures.

During the ESDE Fellowship with Prof. Grimminger in Mainz, these skills are applied in particular for robot-assisted oesophagectomy — both transabdominally with the Xi system and transcervically through the single-port system (Da Vinci SP) as part of the SP-RACE technique.

Surgical robot training with Dexter

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

While suturing part of an anastomosis on a simulation model, my hand movements were translated by Dexter into precise micro-movements. This outstanding capability of the robotic system substantially increases the accuracy and control of surgical manoeuvres, which is invaluable for demanding interventions.

The training gave me the opportunity to refine my skills in handling the surgical robot — valuable preparation for my upcoming tasks in Mainz with Professor Grimminger, which will undoubtedly be of great benefit.

Further training in Mainz — Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I am pleased to share a personal milestone: I have received my medical licence (Approbation) for Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This authorises me to practise as a physician in Germany — an essential prerequisite for the planned ESDE Fellowship training in Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIO) with Prof. Peter Grimminger at the University Medical Centre Mainz.

The fellowship training will allow me to deepen my expertise in robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery of the upper gastrointestinal tract. The aim is to bring back techniques from Mainz that I can directly apply in my surgical work in Zurich, in close cooperation with Prof. Paul Magnus Schneider at Klinik im Park.

ESDE Fellowship with Prof. Grimminger

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

From 1 October 2024 I begin my fellowship at the University Medical Centre Mainz, Germany, with Prof. Grimminger in the field of «Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy (MIO)».

Many thanks to Prof. Dr. med. Paul Magnus Schneider and the ESDE selection committee for their trust in my abilities and the support of my professional development.

I look forward to an intensive year full of new insights and to working with outstanding experts in this field.

Endoluminal vacuum therapy (eVAC) for ampullectomy — publication

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I am pleased to present our recently published paper on prophylactic endoluminal vacuum therapy (eVAC) in surgical ampullectomy. In this study we showed that combining eVAC with continuous periduodenal irrigation (CPI) further reduces the risk of complications in these gentle yet very demanding procedures.

A heartfelt thank you to all collaborators for their valuable support and cooperation.

— Dr. med. Olga Meier

Link to the publication:

Langenbeck’s Archives of Surgery (2024) 409:220 (PDF)

Console surgeon — da Vinci surgical robot certificate

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I am very pleased to share that I have successfully completed da Vinci technology training and am now certified as console surgeon by the manufacturer. This certificate confirms my ability to operate the components and applications of the state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi system, one of the most advanced platforms for minimally invasive surgery.

Many thanks also to Prof. Paul Magnus Schneider, who supported me greatly during this stage of my training.