Abdominal, tumour and robotic surgery
PD Dr. med. Andreas Rickenbacher
Doctor, surgeon
FMH Surgery Colorectal surgery
I completed my medical studies at the University of Bern. After graduating, I began my surgical training at the University Hospital of Zurich in visceral and transplant surgery. I was fascinated by basic research from an early stage, which is why I spent three years in the laboratory doing research during my training. I then continued my training in Olten as a senior consultant and returned to the University Hospital Zurich as a senior consultant in 2013. I specialized in the field of colorectal surgery and proctology. From 2020, I also took on the role of Program Director and coordinated the training of junior surgeons.
Focus area Colorectal surgery, minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery, pelvic floor surgery, proctology, tumor surgery
Languages German, French, English
Career
| 2022-today | vivévis AG - Partner and member of the Board of Directors, partner physician Hirslanden Klinik im Park, Klinik Hirslanden and Hirslanden Klinik Aarau |
| 2020-2022 | University Hospital Zurich, Clinic for Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Program Director Education |
| 2013-2022 | University Hospital Zurich, Clinic for Visceral and Transplant Surgery Senior Physician, Senior Physician and Senior Physician meV |
| 2011-2013 | Cantonal Hospital Olten, Clinic for Surgery Resident and Senior Physician (interim) |
| 2007-2010 | University Hospital Zurich, Department of Visceral and Transplant Surgery Fellow Basic Research |
| 2006-2007 | University Hospital Zurich, Clinic for Visceral and Transplant Surgery Resident |
Diplomas
| 2022 | Laser treatments of the skin and mucous membranes close to the skin (FMS) |
| 2019 | Europäische Akademie für robotergestützte kolorektale Chirurgie (EARCS) |
| 2018 | Point of care ultrasound certificate (POCUS) |
| 2016 | EBSQ Coloproctology |
| 2013 | Specialist in surgery (FMH) |
| 2007 | Doctorate, University of Bern |
| 2005 | Diploma as a doctor of the Swiss Confederation |
Research
My research focuses on colorectal surgery and surgical oncology, in particular colorectal carcinoma. Here is a selection of my publications:
- Colorectal cancer of the young displays distinct features of aggressive tumor biology: A single-center cohort study. Mueller M, Schneider MA, Deplazes B, Cabalzar-Wondberg D, Rickenbacher A* and Turina M. World J Gastrointest Surg 2021 Feb 27;13(2):164-175.
- Direct intraoperative assessment of total mesorectal excision specimens by expert pathologists in patients with very low rectal cancer prevents unnecessary abdominoperineal resections. Rickenbacher A, Watson J, Horisberger K, Töpfer A, Weber A, Kessler H, Turina M. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2020 Apr;35(4):755-758.
- Fasting protects liver from ischemic injury through Sirt1-mediated downregulation of circulating Hmgb1 in mice. Rickenbacher A, Jang J, Limani P, Ungethüm U, Lehmann K, Oberkofler CE, Weber A, Graf R, Humar B, Clavien PA. J Hepatol. 2014 Aug;61(2):301-8.
- A multicenter randomized clinical trial of primary anastomosis or Hartmann's procedure for perforated left colonic diverticulitis with purulent or fecal peritonitis. Oberkofler CE, Rickenbacher A*, Raptis DA, Lehmann K, Villiger P, Buchli C, Grieder F, Gelpke H, Decurtins M, Tempia-Caliera AA, Demartines N, Hahnloser D, Clavien PA, Breitenstein S. Ann Surg. 2012 Nov;256(5):819-26; discussion 826-7.
- Arguments against toxic effects of chemotherapy on liver injury and regeneration in an experimental model of partial hepatectomy. Rickenbacher A, DeOliveira ML, Tian Y, Jang JH, Riener MO, Graf R, Moritz W, Clavien PA. Liver Int. 2011 Mar;31(3):313-21.
You can find an overview of the publications here:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=rickenbacher+a%5Bau%5D&sort=date
Awards
- Best Teacher of the Year (elected by the residents) 2016
- Clinical excellence award 2013
- Prize of the Swiss Society of Surgery 2013
- Surgery Award SGG/SGVC 2011