Dr. Dirk Jentschura Brings the Operating Room to UMCH

With his ReachHigher lecture "Appendicitis and Hernia – without and with incarceration – two common diseases," Hon.-Prof. Dr. med. Dirk Jentschura kicked off the year 2025 at UMCH with a special highlight. The Medical Director captivated first and second-year students with an exciting mix of medical knowledge, illustrative graphics, and real surgical insights.

The focus was on two common medical conditions: appendicitis and hernias – also known as tissue ruptures. Dr. Jentschura provided a clear explanation of how the appendix, a small appendage of the intestine, can become inflamed and why this can have serious consequences if left untreated. He impressively demonstrated that while theoretical knowledge from textbooks forms the foundation, anatomy often looks different in the operating room. Using surgical images and videos, students gained a rare glimpse into real medical practice.

The topic of hernias was also vividly addressed. Dr. Jentschura explained how weaknesses in the abdominal wall can lead to tissue or organs protruding outward. From inguinal hernias to complex cases with incarcerated tissue, he guided participants through the challenges and solutions in surgery. Here too, he emphasized the importance of understanding human anatomy to act safely and effectively in practice.

The voluntary lecture attracted numerous interested students to the fully packed lecture hall. Dr. Jentschura had already impressed with his lecture in November, and his return to the UMCH campus was eagerly anticipated. His new topic offered participants unique insights into practice and demonstrated the value of such events in gaining new perspectives beyond regular studies and deepening their enthusiasm for medicine.