This branch of medical sciences, studies the causes and treatment of allergies that deal with nonsurgical techniques. The allergies may be caused due to high sensibility by allergens of air, alimentary, medicaments or contacts. The allergology department provides all-inclusive services with a well trained medical staff that leads to diagnosis and lasting treatment of allergic diseases.

Anatomopathatology or pathological anatomy, is the medical specialty that studies the morphology of the macroscopic and microscopic abnormalities in biological tissues and normal or pathological cells. During diagnosis, the anatomopathological examination concentrates on small fragments of tissue, called biopsies, obtained during an endoscopy or from punctures carried out using a needle. The importance of anatomopathology is in the detection of benign or malignant tumors, inflammations and other pathological conditions.

Services

• Consult with the pathologist, after obtaining a detailed history of patient illness or concern.
• Histopathological diagnosis of diseases from all parts of the human body.
• Preoperative, intraoperative (frozen biopsy, biopsium extempore), postoperative examination.
• Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative cytology.
• Immunohistochemistry
• Immunofluorescence
• Molecular pathology
• Autopsy

Anesthesiology is the practice of medicine dedicated to the care of patients before, during, and after surgery and childbirth. Intensive care unit and the treatment of acute and chronic pain. There are several types of anesthesia are available, including

General anesthesia: The patient “goes to sleep” while the operation lasts.

Sedation anesthesia: Intravenous drugs calm the patient or make them unaware of the procedure.

Regional anesthesia: Local anesthetic is injected near the nerves to numb the area that will be operated. These may be nerve blocks or spinal or epidural injections.

The type of anesthesia that is chosen is based on the patient’s medical history, the planned operation or procedure, and the patient’s preferences.

Our Department of Anesthesiology consists of experience specialists of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care that are ready 24/7 for the benefit of our patients.

Services

• Surgical Anaesthesia
• Anaesthesia for same day procedures
• Sedation for invasive diagnostic procedures
• Sedation in invasive therapeutic procedures
• Anaesthesia in children and adults
• Sedation in children and adults
• Labour management
• Management of chronic pain
• Management of traumatic pain

• General female check-up
• General Male check-up
• Simple/standard female periodical control
• Simple/standard male periodical control
• Female post-cancer follow-up control
• Male post-cancer follow-up control
• Cardiac check-up
• Diabetes check-up
• VIP female check-up
• VIP male check-up
• Female Ultra check-up
• Male Ultra check-up
• Checkups for young people
• Children check-up
• Check-ups during pregnancy

Health periodical checkups are important to identify problems in time, before they become cause of serious concern. Thus, the patient is fully able to respond in time and receive the proper treatment without being too late. By diagnosing and receiving treatment in due time you increase your chances to a better, longer and healthier life. Age, gender, family history, lifestyle and the type of daily routine are important factors that make up a personalized check up, just as a suit tailored to fit, in order that we benefit optimal results. The colon, breast or prostate cancer, the diabetes, cardiac diseases, bone degenerations and many other diseases can be easily prevented by general periodical checkups. Dedicate to your health a few hours every 6 months or one year and you will have a long life.

 

To prevent and protect our body.

Glycemia

A blood glucose test measures the amount of glucose in your blood. Glucose, a type of simple sugar, is your body’s main source of energy. Your body converts the carbohydrates you eat into glucose. Glucose testing is primarily done to check for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Diabetes is a condition that causes your blood glucose level to rise. The amount of sugar in your blood is usually controlled by a hormone called insulin. However, if you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly. This causes sugar to build up in your blood. Increased levels of blood sugar can lead to severe organ damage if left untreated. In some cases, blood glucose testing may also be used to test for hypoglycemia. This condition occurs when the levels of glucose in your blood are too low.

HbA1c
The term HbA1c refers to glycated haemoglobin. It develops when haemoglobin, a protein within red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body, joins with glucose in the blood, becoming ‘glycated’. By measuring glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), clinicians are able to get an overall picture of what our average blood sugar levels have been over a period of weeks/months.

ALT AST
AST and ALT are considered to be two of the most important tests to detect liver injury, although ALT is more specific for the liver than is AST and is more commonly increased than is AST. Sometimes AST is compared directly to ALT and an AST/ALT ratio is calculated. This ratio may be used to distinguish between different causes of liver damage and to distinguish liver injury from damage to heart or muscle.

ESR
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is sometimes called a sedimentation rate test or sedrate test. This test doesn’t diagnose one specific condition. Instead, it helps your doctor determine whether you’re experiencing inflammation. The doctor will look at ESR results along with other information or test results to help figure out a diagnosis. The tests ordered will depend on your symptoms. This test can also monitor inflammatory diseases.

In this test, a tall, thin tube holds a sample of your blood. The speed at which the red blood cells fall to the bottom of the tube is measured. Inflammation can cause abnormal proteins to appear in your blood. These proteins cause your red blood cells to clump together. This makes them fall more quickly.

Hemogram
Hemogram or CBC is a very common test. Many people have a CBC performed when they have a routine health examination. If a person is healthy and has results that are within normal limits, then that person may not require another CBC until their health status changes or until their healthcare provider feels that it is necessary. A CBC may be ordered when a person has any number of signs and symptoms that may be related to disorders that affect blood cells. When an individual has fatigue or weakness or has an infection, inflammation, bruising, or bleeding, a health practitioner may order a CBC to help diagnose the cause and/or determine its severity.

When a person has been diagnosed with a disease known to affect blood cells, a CBC will often be ordered on a regular basis to monitor their condition. Likewise, if someone is receiving treatment for a blood-related disorder, then a CBC may be performed frequently to determine if the treatment is effective.

A CBC is a panel of tests that evaluates the three types of cells that circulate in the blood. A CBC includes the following:

– Evaluation of white blood cells, the cells that are part of the body’s defense system against infections and cancer and also play a role in allergies and inflammation: – White blood cell (WBC) count is a count of the total number of white blood cells in a person’s sample of blood.

– Evaluation of red blood cells, the cells that transport oxygen throughout the body: – Red blood cell (RBC) count is a count of the actual number of red blood cells in a person’s sample of blood. – Hemoglobin measures the total amount of the oxygen-carrying protein in the blood, which generally reflects the number of red blood cells in the blood. – Hematocrit measures the percentage of a person’s total blood volume that consists of red blood cells.

– Red blood cell indices are calculations that provide information on the physical characteristics of the RBCs:

– Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of a single red blood cell.

– Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of hemoglobin inside a single red blood cell.

– Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average concentration of hemoglobin inside a single red blood cell.

– Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

– The CBC may also include reticulocyte count, which is a measurement of the absolute count or percentage of young red blood cells in blood.

Azotemia
Azotemia is a type of nephrotoxicity that involves excess nitrogen compounds in the blood. In severe cases, it has the potential to adversely affect the kidneys and cause acute renal failure.

Creatinine
The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine can also be measured with a urine test. Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is generated from muscle metabolism. Creatinine is produced from creatine, a molecule of major importance for energy production in muscles. Approximately 2% of the body’s creatine is converted to creatinine every day. Creatinine is transported through the bloodstream to the kidneys. The kidneys filter out most of the creatinine and dispose of it in the urine. Because the muscle mass in the body is relatively constant from day to day, the creatinine production normally remains essentially unchanged on a daily basis.

Lipid profile
The lipid profile is used as part of a cardiac risk assessment to help determine an individual’s risk of heart disease and to help make decisions about what treatment may be best if there is borderline or high risk.

Lipids are a group of fats and fat-like substances that are important constituents of cells and sources of energy. Monitoring and maintaining healthy levels of these lipids is important in staying healthy.

The results of the lipid profile are considered along with other known risk factors of heart disease to develop a plan of treatment and follow-up. Depending on the results and other risk factors, treatment options may involve lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise or lipid-lowering medications such as statins.

A lipid profile typically includes:

· Total cholesterol — this test measures all of the cholesterol in all the lipoprotein particles.

· High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) — measures the cholesterol in HDL particles; often called “good cholesterol” because it removes excess cholesterol and carries it to the liver for removal.

· Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) — calculates the cholesterol in LDL particles; often called “bad cholesterol” because it deposits excess cholesterol in walls of blood vessels, which can contribute to atherosclerosis. Usually, the amount of LDL-C is calculated using the results of total cholesterol, HDL-C, and triglycerides.

· Triglycerides — measures all the triglycerides in all the lipoprotein particles; most is in the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).

Some other information may be reported as part of the lipid profile. These parameters are calculated from the results of the tests identified above.

· Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) — calculated from triglycerides/5; this formula is based on the typical composition of VLDL particles.

· Non-HDL-C — calculated from total cholesterol minus HDL-C.

· Cholesterol/HDL ratio — calculated ratio of total cholesterol to HDL-C.

An extended profile (or advanced lipid testing) may also include low-density lipoprotein particle number/concentration (LDL-P). This test measures the number of LDL particles, rather than measuring the amount of LDL-cholesterol. It is thought that this value may more accurately reflect heart disease risk in certain people. For more, see Common Questions #5 or the article on LDL Particle Testing.

PSA
The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood. For this test, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood.

The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer, and the PSA test was originally approved by the FDA in 1986 to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who had already been diagnosed with the disease.

In addition to prostate cancer, a number of benign (not cancerous) conditions can cause a man’s PSA level to rise. The most frequent benign prostate conditions that cause an elevation in PSA level are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate). There is no evidence that prostatitis or BPH leads to prostate cancer, but it is possible for a man to have one or both of these conditions and to develop prostate cancer as well.

Hepatitis B
Is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) that affects the liver. It can cause both acute and chronic infections. Many people have no symptoms during the initial infection. Some develop a rapid onset of sickness with vomiting, yellowish skin, tiredness, dark urine and abdominal pain.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) tests may be used for a variety of reasons. Some of the tests detect antibodies produced in response to HBV infection; some detect antigens produced by the virus, and others detect viral DNA.

HIV
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, the body’s natural defense system. Without a strong immune system, the body has trouble fighting off disease. Both the virus and the infection it causes are called HIV. Several types of tests check your blood or body fluids to see if you’re infected. Most can’t detect HIV right away, because it takes time for your body to make antibodies or for enough viruses to grow inside you. It may be up to 6 months before you’ll see a positive result, which means an early test could be negative even though you’re infected.

Pap-Test
The Pap test looks for cancers and precancers in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina). Precancers are cell changes that might become cancer if they are not treated the right way. It can find early signs of cervical cancer. If caught early, the chance of successful treatment of cervical cancer is very high. Pap tests can also find abnormal cervical cells before they turn into cancer cells. Most women ages 21 to 65 should get Pap tests as part of routine health care. Even if you are not currently sexually active, you should still have a Pap test. Women who have gone through menopause (when a woman’s periods stop) and are younger than 65 still need regular Pap tests too.

Ultrasound Abdomen
Ultrasound imaging of the abdomen uses sound waves to produce pictures of the structures within the upper abdomen. It is used to help diagnose pain or distention and evaluate the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta.

Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:

· abdominal pain or distention.
· abnormal liver function.
· enlarged abdominal organ.
· stones in the gallbladder or kidney.
· an aneurysm in the aorta.

Mammography
Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses or micro calcifications. It is recommending yearly screening mammography starting at age 40, and every two years between the ages of 50 and 74.

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to evaluate your heart muscle and heart valves.

It can;

· assess the overall function of your heart
· determine the presence of many types of heart disease
· follow the progress of heart valve disease over time
· evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments

Echo thyroid
Thyroid ultrasonography is the most common and extremely useful, safe, way to image the thyroid gland and its pathology. An ultrasound of the thyroid produces pictures of the thyroid gland and the adjacent structures in the neck. The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck just above the collar bones and is shaped like a butterfly, with one lobe on either side of the neck connected by a narrow band of tissue. It is one of nine endocrine glands located throughout the body that make and send hormones into the bloodstream.

Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a CCD camera or a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. It can provide a visual diagnosis (ulceration, polyps) and grants the opportunity for biopsy or removal of suspected colorectal cancer lesions. Colonoscopy can remove polyps as small as one millimeter or less. Colonoscopies are often used to diagnose colon cancer, but are also frequently used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease.

DERMATOPATHOLOGY
A qualified staff supported by modern laboratory equipment makes the examination and interpretation of cutaneous biopsies and determines accurate details of pathological changes at a microscopic level. Further, confrontation with the clinical plan and consultations with the dermatologist make the diagnosis and proper treatment of the patient easier.
The dermatopathology laboratory is part of an entire department that makes the most specific tests and analyses.

DERMATOLOGICAL SURGERY
The following procedures are frequently are carried out in cooperation with plastic surgery experts.

Excision of malign and benign lesions
Treatment of many skin pathologies with chryotherapy
Invasive treatments of patients with second and third stage acne

COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY
Chemical peeling
Botox injections
Injections with various fillers
Sclerotherapy of telangiectasias and small veins

LASER THERAPY
Acne scars
Skin regeneration in the neck, chest and hand
Melasma
Pigmented skin lesions located in the body
Tattoo removal
Eye wrinkles
Surgery cicatrices
Actinic keratosis

American Hospital was established in 2006 from the necessity of services needed. The public Albanian health care system could not fulfill the needs of Albanian citizens and most of them were traveling to the nearest countries for possible solutions for their issues. At the time, Albania had as well visa restrictions, which narrowed even more the possible selection of hospitals.

In the same first year of our creation, American Hospital had a success story, the first kidney transplant ever made in Albania.

Today, we are the biggest center of kidney transplant in the region, accepting patients from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Montenegro.

We have 11 dialysis centers, in all Albania out of which in 5 of them are of Diavita shpk, a joint venture of American Hospital with Evita shpk, following the Private Public Partnership model.

Just recently Diavita shpk has need sold to Diaverum Company, one of the world’s largest companies in the dialysis sector. Founded in 1991, the Swedish-based company has a presence in 20 different countries in Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, and is profiled in renal care only.

Currently, 11,000 Diaverum International AB staffs care for 36,000 patients in over 360 dialysis clinics worldwide. (www.diaverum.com)

The American Hospital Division of Endocrinology is dedicated to helping patients live successful and fulfilling lives despite the struggles of living with diabetes, thyroid disease, and other endocrine disorders. Our goal is to identify the causes of different kinds of endocrine disorders and discover improved treatments. We also remain committed to the education and care of those who suffer from these often life-altering conditions.

DIABETES
Sugar diabetes type 1 and 2
Gestational diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Hypoglicemia

OBESITY
Diagnosis and treatment of the etiology of obesity
Diet therapy

THYROID DISORDERS
Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Strum
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid cancer
Hormone testing
Thyroid ultrasonography
Thyroid nodule citopunction (biopsy)

BONE DEGENERATION
Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia
Hyperparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism

DISORDERS OF THE HYPOPHYSIS
Adenoma of hypophysis
Hypopituitarism
Galactorrhea
Insipid diabetes

DISORDERS OF THE GLANDS OVER THE KIDNEY
The over-kidney adenoma
Hyperadrenalism
Hypoadrenalism

GONAD DISEASES
Polycystic ovaries syndrome
Turner Syndrome
Hypogonadism
Infertility

MENOPAUSE
Menopause diagnosis and treatment
Hormonal tests
Mammography
PAP-test
DEXA (bones densitometry)

The endocrinology section helps patients live more healthily and actively, despite problems they have with diabetes, obesity, thyroid deceases or other endocrine pathologies. Our aim is to identify causes of the various endocrine problems and to find the best cure possibly. We dedicate a high importance to the education of patients suffering from these pathologies, which often change their living quality.

 

• Gastroenterological examination
• Upper digestive endoscopy / esophagogastroduodenoscopy
• Rectosigmoidoscopy
• Total colonoscopy
• Endoscopic polypectomy
• Removal of foreign bodies
• Sclerotherapy of hemorrhagic gastric spots

This department serves the patients with digestive system disorders through the most specialized professionals and modern technological equipment.

The gastroenterology service of the American Hospital is strongly based on the latest endoscopic methods both in the screening and surgical treatment of various disorders. In this respect, the gastroenterology department cooperates closely with other clinics, such as the radiology, the general surgery and oncology. Given that Albania is a country with a significant rate of disorders of the digestive and hepatobiliary tracts, this department has gained special importance in the treatment of liver and related disorders making the American Hospital the first centre which is ready to carry out a liver transplant.

• Hemoglobinopathy
• Congenital anemia
• Acquired anemia
• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Coagulation disorders

The Department of Hematology in American Hospital provides a comprehensive clinical, analytical and interpretative service in all aspects of Hematology. Hematologists evaluate and treat patients with anemia; too many or too few white cells or platelets; enlarged lymph nodes or spleen; bleeding and clotting disorders; and malignancies (cancers) which affect the blood, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myeloproliferative disorders.

Hematologists prescribe blood product administration and removal of excess blood components as needed for a variety of blood disorders. They also prescribe immunosuppressive and growth factor drugs and biological therapy for benign and malignant blood disorders. Stem cell and bone marrow transplantation are considered part of the specialty of Hematology.

 

One of the most powerful tools of a good health institution is the advanced imagery, which has the final voice in placing a diagnosis for many diseases and making decisions in respect to their treatment.

The staff of radiology doctors and specialized technicians who are supported by the most upgraded imagery equipment at the American Hospital offer maximum precision in providing accurate diagnostic images. Usually your scan will be read and your report filed within a couple of hours of your exam. With digital technology, radiologists can easily move through 3D images of the human body. They can quickly isolate areas of the brain, organs and even specific blood vessels.

Services

• Computerized tomography (Scanner) 64 detectors
• Cardiac CT
• Magnetic resonance 1.5 Tesla
• Scintigraphy
• Digital mammography
• Bone densitometer
• Ecography / Doppler
• Digital X-ray

Patient advantages with our Departament of Advanced Imangery include:

Faster exams: It takes half the time it used to, equals greater comfort.

Superior resolution and superior imaging: Provides improved 2D and 3D images to help radiologists see patients like never before. Full-color, three-dimensional images that healthcare providers can rotate and move through.

Digital format: All images are captured, read and stored digitally. This results in sharper images with no loss of resolution. It also makes scans more accessible to your healthcare provider.