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.
Patients are the centre and the core of our system. We are professionals committed to quality care and our organizational structure breaks down the traditional boundaries between departments and professional groups, with an exclusive model of knowledge areas.
Would you like to know what your stay at Vall d'Hebron will be like? Here you will find all the information.
The commitment of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital to innovation allows us to be at the forefront of medicine, providing first class care adapted to the changing needs of each patient.
Colposcopy allows an in-depth examination of the uterus, or cervix, for early identification of possible lesions that could be precursors to cancer or cancerous lesions. This is done using a special microscope called a colposcope, which is used to find out the cause of an abnormal cytology.
During the exploration, gynaecologists study the cervix and decide whether a biopsy should be taken and from what area. They can also remove certain tissues, if necessary. For the biopsy, a small sample is taken and sent to the laboratory to examine the cells. From this examination, the doctors can diagnose and decide on treatment, if necessary.
This technique is used for early detection of lesions that could trigger cancer of the cervix and also to take samples to diagnose and even remove tissues.
This exploration also lets us diagnose other sexually transmitted infections in addition to HPV.
To perform the test, the patient should be placed on the gynaecological stretcher with legs in stirrups.
The doctor then inserts a device inside the vagina, the speculum, which separates the walls, and then brings the colposcope, which lets them see the area to be examined. If they detect anomalous areas during examination, they can decide whether to take a biopsy of the tissue that must be analysed later with a microscope in the laboratory.
Anomalies detected in a cervical biopsy are called cervical intraepithelial neoplasms (CIN) and are classified as:
Possible discomfort while taking the sample and, sometimes, light bleeding that can last up to 3 or 4 days.
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.
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.
This test is used to obtain morphological information about different types of tissues, such as bones, lungs, brain, liver, blood vessels, or soft tissues, for example.
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.
It is performed preferably via the vagina or abdomen, the transperineal or transrectal method being less frequent.
Via the vagina: a small transducer is inserted into the vagina, no preparation is required, and the urinary bladder needs to be empty. This is the preferred route.Via the abdomen: the patient must drink a litre of water one hour before the scan. It is performed when: the patient has not had sexual intercourse, when there is significant genital atrophy or to evaluate gynaecological tumours larger than 12 cm, in which the vaginal route loses definition.
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.
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.
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®):
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.
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 tips
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.
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that mainly affects adults. In children with chronic illnesses or immunocompromised conditions, symptoms are usually mild and severe cases are rare. It is essential to follow hygiene and prevention measures, avoid contact with infected individuals, and continue regular treatment to safeguard health.
The incidence of this coronavirus-induced respiratory infection is much higher in adults. Children only represent between 1% and 2% of the total cases, and the vast majority of them only show mild symptoms.
Within the population, there are groups that are more at risk, such as older adults over 65 and people with chronic cardiovascular and lung diseases or diabetes. At the time of writing, it has not been shown that paediatric patients with chronic illnesses and/or who are immunosuppressed are a high-risk group.
There are four special measures you can take to avoid being infected by COVID-19, which are:
If someone you live with shows symptoms, the first recommendation would be for you to go and live somewhere else temporarily and avoid living with that person. If this is not possible, the family member showing symptoms should stay isolated from the rest of the members of the household, in a well-ventilated bedroom. If possible, they should have their own bathroom.
The people who care for them should wear surgical masks and gloves to avoid contact with the infected person's body fluids. In addition, they should maintain strict hygiene habits such as washing their hands often with soap and water and keeping a safe distance, one metre as a minimum. Children and teens should wear a surgical mask or one recommended by their doctor.
The most common symptoms that a COVID-19 infection causes are fever, a cough, sore throat, and breathing difficulty. If someone has one or more of these symptoms, the first thing to do is call their primary care physician, and not go to the Primary Healthcare Centre (CAP) in person. If it is not possible to get into contact with them, call CatSalut Respon, the telephone support service for the Catalan Health Service, at 061 for instructions on what to do.
If the individual has breathing difficulties, a high fever that does not subside with fever reducers, or general malaise, they should go to the Emergency Department.
If you have had contact with someone with COVID-19, you need to be on the lookout for symptoms.
Patients with chronic illnesses or those who are immunosuppressed should keep following their normal pharmacological treatment, unless their doctor instructs them otherwise.
Burns are injuries caused by contact with heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation. Acting quickly, moving away from the source, and cooling the affected area are essential to limit tissue damage and prevent complications.
In the kitchen
In the bathroom
Rest of the house
If the injuries only cover a small area, you should first go to a health centre. For more widespread injuries, go to the hospital accident and emergency department or 112 emergency services.
Kidney diseases affect how the kidneys function, as they are responsible for filtering blood and removing waste. Maintaining a balanced diet, proper hydration, and healthy habits is key to preserving kidney function and preventing complications.
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.
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