A detailed and sincere consultation about an illness between a professional and layman as equals is an important factor in the success of treatment.
Surgical treatment of any illness is a special experience for any patient. Particularly when the illness in question is malign, such as lung cancer, where a correctly performed operation is a one-time opportunity for each patient. It is important that patients are well informed of their illness, possible treatment options and prognosis. A detailed and sincere consultation about an illness between a professional and layman as equals is an important factor in the success of treatment. That is why I always take the time for patients looking at surgical treatment procedures to discuss and review all options and come to an agreement on the best course of action.
This allows even the most severe patients to be admitted to the hospital on the day of their scheduled procedure. I believe it is best for a patient to spend the last evening, night and morning before a surgical procedure in their home environment with their loved ones and comes to the hospital on the day of the operation prepared in accordance with appropriate instructions. The patient then receives regular care and monitoring by physicians and the nursing staff during their hospital stay. It is also important that patients have the option of permanent contact with their operating physician even after discharge from hospital. Even a few short phone calls can suffice to make a patient feel safe and comfortable at home. Each patient who undergoes surgery in our establishment receives the telephone number of their operating physician and is instructed to call in case of any problem.
Career
Dr. Marko Bitenc M.D. graduated at the Faculty of Medicine in 1985 and specialized as a surgeon after completing his internship. He was included in research projects for stomach and lung cancer at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana. During his internship Dr. Bitenc also achieved a master’s degree in the field of treatment of lung cancer. From 1993 he served as a thoracic surgeon at the Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery at University Medical Centre Ljubljana. During this time he was also assistant lecturer of Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine of the University in Ljubljana.
The main area of my work and research is cancer of the lungs, esophagus and stomach.
Dr. Bitenc has been a member of ESTS (European society of Thoracic Surgery) since 1993. The main area of his work and research is cancer of the lungs, esophagus and stomach. He has been elected president of the Medical Chamber of Slovenia twice since 1996. In the same period he has also served as Member of the Health Council of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Slovenia. He has also held positions abroad, including presidency of CPME and presidency of EFMA/WHO. Dr. Bitenc is a founding member of the Association of Thoracic Surgeons of Slovenia and is currently its President. Since 2005 he has held a private practice in thoracic surgery.
