We are the combination of four hospitals: the General Hospital, the Children’s Hospital, the Women’s Hospital and the Traumatology, Rehabilitation and Burns Hospital. We are part of the Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus: a world-leading health park where healthcare plays a crucial role.
Below we will list the departments and units that form part of Vall d’Hebron Hospital and the main diseases that we treat. We will also make recommendations based on advice backed up by scientific evidence that has been shown to be effective in guaranteeing well-being and quality of life.
Vols saber com serà la teva estada a l’Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron? Aquí trobaràs tota la informació.
Cervicovaginal cytology, also called a Pap smear test, is used to take a sample of cells from the wall of the uterus, or cervix, to be analysed to detect abnormal changes in the cells there due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), before cancer or infections develop. If the test shows the presence of HPV, the doctor may request other tests, such as a colposcopy (link to colposcopy).
Cervical-vaginal cytology is used to detect cervix cancer early on, as well as other precancerous abnormalities of the cervix to help us provide early treatment, which increases the chances of recovering from the disease.
The patient lies on a stretcher with their legs in stirrups for gynaecological examination, as the doctor performing the test inserts a speculum into the vagina. This device allows us to separate the walls of the vagina to see the cervix.
The doctor performing the test can then extract a sample of the walls of the vagina or vaginal exudate at the back of this area. A second sample is taken from the external part of the cervix, the ectocervix, and another sample from the cervix canal that connects the interior of the uterine cavity with the vagina, also called the endocervix.
Finally, these samples are sent to the laboratory, where they will be analysed with a microscope.
To do this test, no preparation is necessary beforehand, though it is recommended that the patient not be on her period, to avoid possible errors.
There are no risks, though sometimes bleeding may occur when the sample is taken, but this will not usually last more than one day.
The patient should try to remain relaxed during the test, since if the vagina contracts, the test can cause some discomfort.
The computed tomography, also known as a "CT" or "CAT scan", is a test that gives morphological information on different types of tissues: bones, lungs, brain, liver, blood vessels and soft tissues etc.. This test lets us diagnose cardiovascular diseases, infections, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer and infections, as well as track progress and plan medical and surgical treatments, if necessary.
In order to do the test, the patient must lie down on the CT stretcher. The patient then moves through the interior of the device. Depending on the part of the body being examined, the patient may be aware of this movement or not.
While this radiological exploration is taking place, a contrast medium (iodine) is administered into a vein, though the patient will not even notice this as it is completely painless. You will be accompanied at all times by health professionals who will be on hand to help you and answer any questions you have.
Once the test has been completed, the radiologist, who is a specialist in CT scans and other radiological exams, will interpret the images and provide a report for the specialist who requested the test.
There is no risk involved, unless the patient is intolerant or especially sensitive to any of the components of the contrast substance.
However, there may be risks if the patient has some illnesses, but this will depend on each individual case. In addition, there are the risks for certain people, that are common to all radiological explorations with contrast:
Gynaecological ultrasound is a technique that uses ultrasound to visualise the inside of women’s genitalia.
The ultrasound plays a fundamental role in detecting benign and malignant pathologies in gynaecology: such as endometrial pathology, myomas, adnexal lumps, urinary incontinence and oncological pathology. At Vall d'Hebron, this Unit is part of the Gynaecology Department. Early diagnosis is essential, as in ovarian cancer.
It is performed preferably via the vagina or abdomen, the transperineal or transrectal method being less frequent.
The Ultrasound should not be performed every year, the frequency will be determined by the gynaecologist and can be of use to all units in the Gynaecology Department: Oncology, General Gynaecology, Pelvic Floor, Laparoscopy and Endoscopy. The Doppler allows us to analyse vascularisation of suspected malignant tissue, in cases of abundant vascularisation and low resistance rates.
Foetal echocardiography is used when the foetus is still in the womb, usually during the second trimester of pregnancy, between 18 and 24 weeks of gestation.
In this ultrasound study, the heart of the foetus is observed and its anatomy and function analysed. It is important to check the cardiovascular system of the foetus is working correctly, and if this is not the case, to diagnose the congenital heart disease as soon as possible. This way, we can plan the treatment ahead of time and make sure we have everything in place for the birth of the child.
The procedure is similar to a pregnancy ultrasound, and can be performed through the abdomen or vagina. In the first case, the doctor in charge of doing the test applies ice to the abdomen and then passes a probe over the stomach that emits sound waves that bounce off the heart of the baby. Thanks to these waves, the image of the organ is shown on the screen of the device. In the second case, the probe is smaller and is inserted into the vagina.
With this test, the specialist can see the flow of blood passing through the heart, the heart rate and the structures of the heart. At Vall d'Hebron, a team of cardiologists and obstetricians evaluate the images together, in order to guarantee proper diagnosis.
At Vall d'Hebron, diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease begins before birth, in the Foetal Medicine Unit, and continues until adulthood, in the Congenital Heart Disease Unit.
It is essential for patients to actively participate in the monitoring and treatment of their disease to increase their personal satisfaction and autonomy. Having reliable, verifiable information is also of great help in managing the disease.
Hereditary angioedema is such a rare disease that it is little-known even among healthcare workers. This means that in this case the patients themselves particularly need to know how to act in the event of an emergency, especially when they are not in their usual environment or are far away from their medical team.
It is advisable, as far as possible, to avoid possible triggers or aggravators of attacks:
The following symptoms indicate a suspected case:
The doctor must make a correct differential diagnosis in order to rule out other causes, such as appendicitis.
In this case it is important to remain calm and follow the doctor’s instructions. Here is some general advice:
1. Ask someone to help you explain what is happening to you.
2. Have the clinical report issued to you by your doctor at the ready.
3. If you have rescue or emergency medication (intravenous Berinert® or Cinryze®, or subcutaneous Firazyr®):
a) If you have been taught how, self-administer it in accordance with the instructions.
b) If you cannot administer it yourself, take it with you to the health centre.
4. Go to your nearest health centre for emergency treatment.
5. Make an appointment with your specialist once the immediate crisis has been dealt with.
In the case of a significant symptom burden in type I and II angioedemas, C1-INH may be administered as a prophylaxis.
TRANSFUSIONS – CAN I GIVE BLOOD?
It is not advisable for patients with hereditary angioedema of any type or acquired C1-inhibitor deficiency to donate blood.
LONG OR FOREIGN TRIPS
We recommend you take an up-to-date copy of the clinical report issued by your doctor with you. It is a good idea to have the report translated into the language of your destination or English.
Find out where the nearest healthcare centre is.
Always carry rescue or emergency medication with you and make sure it has not expired. Have your medical report to hand at security controls at airports or railway stations to avoid problems.
DIET
You do not have a follow a special diet because it is not an allergic oedema and it is not caused or triggered by a food allergy.
Diet does not have any impact on the evolution of the disease. You should, of course, follow the healthy diet recommendations issued to everyone.
The kidneys benefit from a healthy diet, from a relatively high intake of water and from avoiding tobacco. Regular bowel and bladder movements are also essential. Constipation and delaying urination are both damaging to kidney function. Plain water without anything dissolved in it is necessary for good kidney function, apart from liquids such as milk and broth and drinks such as tea and coffee. The amount of urine a healthy person produces varies depending on how much water they drink, the air temperature, whether they are at rest or doing exercise, etc. A healthy adult would normally required 1 to 2 litres per day. Kidney function does not necessarily improve if excessive water is consumed.
Exercise and a diet rich in fibre encourage healthy bowel and bladder movements and improve kidney function. In terms of related conditions, often diabetes, good metabolic control of the diabetes is essential to preserve good kidney function. Controlling arterial pressure, which often has an unknown cause, is also vital to maintain good kidney function.
Constipation is a very common problem in childhood. It occurs when stools are very hard, dry, too large or very difficult to pass. It is also considered constipation when the child has passed stools less than three times in a week. Normally, this problem can be resolved by eating properly and exercising frequently.
Constipation can happen for different reasons:
Less commonly, constipation is a symptom of another illness. If you suspect this may be the case, you should see a doctor.
The head paediatrician will monitor children with constipation. There are, however, situations in which you should go to A&E.
Not all upset stomachs are the same. There are two types: organic, with a clear cause, and functional or recurrent. This advice is focused on the former. The causes of upset stomach vary greatly. The most frequent cause is associated with gastroenteritis, constipation or indigestion. Often children express their physical discomfort (fever, sore throat, etc.) or emotional discomfort (stress situations above all) in the form of stomach pain. Other factors that pull the wool in front of our eyes are appendicitis, urinary infections, intussusception and a long list of diseases that cannot be overlooked, which have a significant impact on children because they make them feel ill.
Upset stomach appears when viruses, parasites or bacteria damage the cells in the mucous membrane in the intestine. Normally, this membrane absorbs fluids, but when it is damaged it can no longer do it as effectively. The body therefore loses fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea causes loss of fluids and salts. Children are more vulnerable to loss of fluids than adults; as they are smaller, they become dehydrated more quickly. Vomiting may lead to difficulties retaining the fluids consumed. Smaller children may deteriorate if they lose more fluids than they take in. This is why it is important that they drink from the onset of the stomach infection.
Vomiting and diarrhoea are the most common symptoms of upset stomach caused by a virus in children. The illness almost always cures itself and disappears in a couple of days. It is very important for children to drink fluids, especially if they have diarrhoea, which is particularly relevant in children under one year.
When children are suffering from upset stomach they may present different symptoms, including: vomiting, diarrhoea, discomfort, tummy ache, fever, tiredness and loss of appetite.
The symptoms normally appear all of a sudden, a couple of days after being infected, and disappear after a few days. Diarrhoea may last up to a week. Upset stomach is more common in winter, when children spend longer indoors. Although it may also be caused by bacteria, parasites or viruses, eating food that has gone off or travelling abroad.
You should go to your doctor or call 061 CatSalut Respon (Catalan Health Service care line) in the following cases:
You should seek urgent medical assistance if the child has diarrhoea, vomiting and any of these symptoms:
Children need fluids. They need to drink often. They can drink a bit at a time, in small quantities given to them with a spoon or bottle. Offer them water occasionally. It is important that they drink a bit at time, as if they drink too much in one go they may start vomiting again.
Avoid sweet drinks such as fizzy drinks or strong juices. They should also avoid diet drinks, as although they do not contain sugar, they may contain other products that cause diarrhoea. Infants may drink what they like, the most important thing is that they drink fluids.
If the child does not want to drink, try giving them ice lollies. You still need to offer them fluids. Even if they are eating ice lollies, they need to drink fluids to rehydrate themselves.
If the child is breast or bottle feeding, they should keep doing so, only more often, even if they vomit. If they do not want to breastfeed, you can also extract milk and feed them from a spoon.
A special syringe for medication is a good solution for oral rehydration. Make sure the liquid does not land directly on their palate, as this may cause nausea.
If vomiting is continuous, the child needs to drink two spoonfuls of liquid every five minutes, which is the equivalent of about 10 ml. An infant needs approximately 1 litre of liquid every 24 hours.
Oral solutions contain the amounts of salts and sugars required to help restore the body’s water balance. When children vomit often and have serious diarrhoea, it is a good idea for them to drink oral rehydration solutions. The infant may not want to drink the solution. If that is the case, try adding sugar.
You can find these solutions in pharmacies.
In most cases, it may be that the child stops vomiting but the diarrhoea continues for a while. Breastfeeding babies can continue feeding and babies drinking from a bottle can eat different types of preparations: rice, corn, formula milk, etc. depending on their age. You can find these preparations in pharmacies. You should start with small quantities.
If the child is older than six months, they may eat carrot soup.
When they are ready to start eating, it is better for them to eat normal foods. It is better to start with small quantities of food and avoid fruits and foods that have a fibre content.
If the child starts vomiting again and is more tired than usual, does not have enough energy to play or loses their interest in their surroundings, see a paediatrician.
Often, upset stomach is caused by a viral infection that is highly contagious. It is normal for people in the same family to be ill at the same time.
To prevent it from being passed on:
It is advisable for the child not to go back to nursery or school until two days after the symptoms disappear.
Gastroenteritis is an infection that causes diarrhoea, an increase in loose stools. It is normally accompanied by vomiting, fever and stomach ache.
Every time the child passes diarrhoea or vomits they lose fluids and they need to replace them orally (by drinking). To achieve this, electrolyte solutions can be used.
If the child is vomiting, they will need to drink the solution bit by bit (one teaspoon every 5 minutes). If they are not vomiting, increase the amount gradually.
When they are not vomiting, offer them small amounts of food. Never force them to eat and make sure they drink plenty of fluids between meals.
The child should not be fasting. Offer them food without forcing them to eat. Infants with gastroenteritis normally lose some of their appetite. If they are breastfeeding, the number of feeds should be increased. Milk bottles should continue to be given in the normal doses, they should not be diluted.
A dry diet is not necessary, soft foods can be eaten if preferred. The foods that tend to be tolerated better are cereals (rice and wheat), potatoes, bread, lean meat, vegetables, fish, yoghurt and fruit. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest, with lots of fat and sugar.
To recover lost fluids, do not use homemade solutions or commercial drinks. Solutions prepared specifically for rehydration are recommended.
Do not administer medications for vomiting or diarrhoea without consulting a paediatrician.
Fever is the body’s response against an infection and is the most common sign of illness. It is considered a fever when the body’s temperature is greater than 38°C at the rectum or 37.5°C in the armpit. Between 37 and 38 degrees is known as low-grade fever. A sensation of cold, discomfort and loss of appetite may all accompany a fever, but children normally tolerate fever well.
Fever is not an illness in itself, but the body’s defence response. Treatments for fever serve to alleviate the symptoms.
To find out if you have a fever, always use a thermometer. A digital thermometer is best. To use it, place it in the ill person’s armpit for approximately two minutes, until it beeps. In breastfeeding babies it can be placed in the rectum, but bear in mind that if done this way a fever is anything above 38°C.
If, despite having applied the above measures, the fever remains higher than 38ºC and the child is generally unwell, antipyretics may be administered.
The medication used most often is paracetamol or ibuprofen. Both can be administered in drops or syrup.
In summary, when we have an infection and the body raises our temperature, it causes what is known as a fever. Antipyretics do not cure the infection, but they can alleviate the symptoms.
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