Pediatrics
The Hygeia Pediatric Clinic is a comprehensive and modern clinic, among the most advanced in the region. In addition to its comfortable and internationally standard-compliant facilities and advanced technology, the clinic’s team of specialist pediatricians offers care to young patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Hygeia Pediatric Clinic provides full-time pediatricians every day of the year, covering the entire range of medical services and treatments for pediatric patients, whether outpatients or inpatients.
The clinic has 8 fully equipped, modern, and comfortable inpatient rooms with 24/7 specialized nursing services, assisting all hospitalized cases with professionalism and dedication, from routine (daily) admissions to more complex cases.
In addition to the consultation and inpatient rooms, the clinic includes a children’s play area, designed to create a friendly and welcoming environment where children can spend time and forget they are in a hospital setting.
To better meet the needs of our patients, the hospital also offers personalized Pediatric Cards that provide multiple benefits, both medical and financial, for outpatient and inpatient cases. The cards are valid for one year.
Our vision:
To provide high-quality pediatric services and comprehensive treatment for hospitalized children by combining the experience of qualified medical and support staff (nurses & secretaries). Our main goal is not only to offer advanced medical treatments but also to create a welcoming and family-friendly environment for children and their families. We firmly believe that only the family and pediatrician know what is best for the child, and we act as one unified team to deliver the best possible care and solutions to every medical issue.
The medical and nursing staff of the Hygeia Pediatric Clinic is dedicated to offering special care to young patients and their families, with the aim of fulfilling all the needs and expectations of the little ones.
The clinic’s medical team includes pediatricians from various specialties such as:
- Pediatric surgeon
- Pediatric infectious disease specialist
- Pediatric anesthesiologist
- Pediatric cardiologist
- General pediatrician
This forms a well-established and highly experienced medical team capable of offering comprehensive healthcare services for children and providing optimal solutions for any medical condition. The nursing staff consists of trained professionals specifically prepared to medically assist children with their unique needs.
Hygeia Hospital Tirana is the only private hospital in the country offering pediatric surgery services, covering the full range of pediatric surgical pathologies. This service is successfully provided by a team of qualified and experienced pediatric surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Another unique service offered by Hygeia Hospital Tirana is Pediatric Imaging, which is equipped with advanced medical technology and managed by qualified pediatric imaging specialists trained at prestigious universities worldwide. They offer imaging diagnostics for both outpatient and inpatient pediatric patients, from newborns and infants to children up to 16 years old.
ENT – Otorhinolaryngology
The ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) Department at Hygeia Hospital Tirana consists of a team of experienced Greek and Albanian ENT surgeons specializing in diagnosis and surgery for all ENT-related pathologies.
The ENT medical staff at Hygeia Hospital Tirana, highly trained and experienced, offers a wide range of services covering all types of ear, nose, and head-neck conditions—from simple diagnostic examinations to complex treatments and surgical interventions. For the most complex cases, the ENT team collaborates closely with other renowned specialists such as maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, neurosurgeons, etc., to provide optimal and effective care for our patients. It is also worth noting that anesthesia during surgical procedures is performed by anesthesiologists with extensive experience in head and neck surgery support.
For more information about this Department, we invite you to watch the video below:
The ENT surgical team covers the full range of otorhinolaryngology procedures, including ear surgeries such as:
- All types of tympanoplasties
- Treatment of cholesteatomas and all related complications
- Various congenital malformations (e.g., atresia of the external auditory canal, congenital cholesteatoma)
- Surgical correction of otosclerosis
Another specialized area within this Department is skull base surgery (e.g., acoustic neuromas, paragangliomas, apex neuromas, petrous bone cholesteatomas).
Otoneurosurgical Interventions
Our team performs the full range of functional nasal and sinus surgeries professionally. The operating rooms are equipped with all necessary tools for performing all types of FESS (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery), treating anatomical issues, post-traumatic conditions, polyps, and both acute and chronic inflammations. Endoscopic treatment of tumors (benign or malignant of the nose and sinuses) is also successfully performed. Additionally, endoscopic treatment is applied for epistaxis, cerebrospinal fluid leaks (post-traumatic, postoperative, or idiopathic), and tear duct problems. In collaboration with relevant specialists, surgeries of the orbit, optic nerve decompression, and endoscopic treatment of pituitary adenomas or skull base masses are also performed under the field of Rhino-Neurosurgery.
In cases where endoscopic approaches are not viable, open nasal surgery is performed, such as in masses of the frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, or maxillary sinuses, osteoplasties of the frontal sinuses, and maxillectomies. Midfacial degloving and other open nasal surgeries are reserved for specific cases.
The CO2 laser technique is widely used in the head and neck area, particularly for benign and malignant tumors of the larynx and hypopharynx. Today, laser technology allows us to remove tumors that once required total laryngectomy, now limiting total procedures to only very rare cases.
Our Department is also equipped with optical fiber lasers (YAG Laser and LISA Laser), used for partial or posterior cordectomy, partial laryngectomy, or surgeries involving the nose, tear ducts, tonsils, tongue, etc.
Our team has had outstanding results in managing head and neck tumors. These cases are handled alone or in collaboration with maxillofacial plastic surgeons for cosmetic and functional restoration in advanced-stage diseases. There is also close collaboration with oncologists, radiotherapists, and chemotherapy specialists for a higher success rate in managing tumors in the head and neck region.
Unilateral paralysis with hoarseness and aspiration is treated with thyroplasty, while bilateral paralysis is managed with posterior cordectomy using CO2 Laser. Patients undergoing this procedure are typically discharged the next day, with improved breathing and satisfactory voice quality.
Salivary gland surgery is also noteworthy. In cases of parotid masses, the facial nerve is carefully preserved using intraoperative nerve monitoring equipment.
Superficial Parotidectomy
With the aid of ultra-modern and fine endoscopes, we can examine the parotid glands for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (e.g., removal of salivary stones).
Dr. Holta Sulaj, ENT specialist at Hygeia Hospital Tirana, provides information about obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), its symptoms, and the procedures offered by Hygeia Hospital for effective diagnosis and treatment, as well as the consequences of untreated OSA.
What is obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA)?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep, affecting both men and women of all ages. The term “apnea” comes from Greek, meaning “cessation of breath.” There are two types: the more common obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and the less common central sleep apnea syndrome.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
This occurs when the upper airways become blocked during sleep. Typically, soft tissues at the back of the throat collapse, narrowing airflow (hypopnea) or completely blocking it (apnea). The body senses the lack of oxygen, causing the person to wake up to resume breathing. This cycle repeats frequently throughout the night (sometimes 50–100 times per hour), disrupting sleep and leaving the person tired and sleepy during the day.
Snoring
During snoring, the muscles of the tongue and soft palate relax, narrowing the airway and making breathing difficult.
Normal Sleep
In normal sleep, upper airways remain open, and the tongue and soft palate muscles maintain their tone.
Apnea
If the muscles relax fully, the airway becomes blocked, stopping breathing.
Central Apnea
This rarer form occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the respiratory muscles. Unlike obstructive apnea, there is no airway blockage; the cause is neurological, often linked to strokes or heart failure.
Who is at risk?
People at risk include:
- Overweight individuals
- Frequent snorers
- Those with high blood pressure
- Those with arrhythmias
- People with a family history of snoring or sleep apnea
- Those with narrowed airways (e.g., large tongue, recessed chin, underdeveloped jaw, enlarged tonsils, or soft palate)
Also at risk are people with diabetes, hypothyroidism, or acromegaly.
Factors that worsen snoring or apnea:
- Sleeping on the back
- Alcohol consumption in the evening
- Use of sedatives, narcotics, or painkillers before bed
How common is sleep apnea?
OSA affects 5–10% of the population. Most people at risk go undiagnosed. Many are unaware they snore or experience apnea and simply assume their daytime fatigue is normal. Fortunately, OSA is identifiable and treatable.
Signs and Symptoms:
Upon waking:
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Morning headache
During the day:
- Lack of energy
- Irritability and mood changes
- Drowsiness
- Reduced sexual desire
- Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
At night:
- Frequent urination
- Choking sensation
- Loud snoring and noisy breathing (noticed by others)
- Restless sleep
- Night sweats
Physical signs:
- Neck circumference >43 cm in men and >38 cm in women
- High blood pressure, often higher in the morning
- Leg edema
Diagnosis:
If you suspect OSA, consult your ENT specialist for a sleep study. Diagnosis is made through a simple hospital test.
Severity:
Measured by the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI)—the number of apnea or hypopnea episodes per hour:
- AHI 5–15: Mild OSA
- AHI 15–30: Moderate OSA
- AHI >30: Severe OSA
For example, an AHI >50 means you stop breathing over 50 times an hour, preventing restful sleep and stressing your cardiovascular system.
Treatment:
The most common treatment is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure). Other options include oral appliances, surgery, positional therapy, reduced alcohol and sedative use, and weight management.
Surgical treatments include nasal, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal procedures, maxillary and mandibular advancement, bariatric surgery, or hypoglossal nerve stimulation (under research).
Benefits of treatment:
- Reduced daytime sleepiness
- Improved quality of life
- Better work performance
- Improved cognitive function
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Fewer car accidents
- Better blood pressure control
- Lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics
- Reduced cardiac stress
- Lower stroke risk
- Reduced risk of sudden death
Untreated OSA risks:
- Daytime sleepiness
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Sudden death
- Tenfold increased risk of car accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Poor quality of life
- Cognitive impairment
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sexual dysfunction
- Pregnancy complications
- Children: developmental delay, behavior issues, and poor academic performance
In conclusion, OSA is a serious but treatable condition. Early diagnosis and effective treatment improve quality of life, reduce health risks, and benefit society by lowering accident and healthcare costs.
More about Apnea:
Oncology
The Hygeia Oncology Center specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing follow-up of cancer patients. This Center is equipped with state-of-the-art devices and equipment to provide high-quality and specialized services for diagnosing and treating all types of cancer. The team of oncologists includes well-known radiation and chemotherapy specialists, both Greek and Albanian, trained in prestigious universities across Europe and beyond, with extensive experience in treating cancer patients. Each patient receives a personalized and high-standard treatment plan.
This Center is led by the renowned Dr. Evangelia Razis, MD, PhD, trained at the most prestigious universities in the United States. Dr. Razis was a pioneer in applying international quality standards and protective measures in cancer case management. Her department in Greece was the first outside the United States to receive the QOPI quality certification from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Hygeia Hospital’s oncologists collaborate closely with specialists from other departments—Radiologists, Surgeons (general, gynecological, urological), and Anesthesiologists—to deliver an integrated and effective service for cancer patients.
Thanks to the experience and professionalism of the medical and technical staff, combined with advanced medical technology, Hygeia Oncology Center successfully treats almost all cancer types, including:
• Head Cancer
• Head and Neck
• Breast Cancer
• Biliary Tract Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Ovarian & Other Gynecologic Cancers
• Prostate Cancer
• Melanoma
• Skin Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer, etc.
For more information, please read the articles and watch the videos below:
Hygeia Hospital Tirana is the first in Albania to establish a dedicated Radiotherapy Oncology Center using advanced digital radiotherapy methods. This center unites expert professionals to evaluate and treat cancer patients and conduct clinical research. Multidisciplinary teams determine treatment plans based on the tumor’s location.
Certified and experienced oncologists participate in every consultation related to diseases such as:
• Breast
• Central Nervous System (brain, spine)
• Endocrinology (thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary)
• Gastrointestinal (anus, colon, rectum, esophagus, liver, pancreas, stomach)
• Urogenital (bladder, kidney, prostate, penis, testicles, ureter)
• Gynecological (cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, vulva)
• Head and Neck
• Lung
• Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Myeloma
• Melanoma
• Skin Cancers
• Ocular Tumors
• Pediatric Cancer
• Sarcomas
While teams are disease-specific, they collaborate to develop diagnostics, treatment protocols, and care guidelines to ensure best outcomes.
The team includes radiation oncologists, radiology technicians, oncology nurses, medical assistants, and medical physicists. Success depends on close collaboration between radiation oncologists and other specialists including surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists.
Precision Treatment Planning
Advanced imaging (CT, MRI) is used to carefully plan radiotherapy, ensuring maximum impact on tumors with minimal harm to surrounding tissue.
RADIOTHERAPY SERVICES
3D Conformal Radiotherapy
This technique targets the exact shape of the tumor using multiple radiation beams, reducing exposure to healthy tissues. It’s used for both malignant and benign tumors throughout the body.
IMRT Therapy (Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy)
IMRT is an advanced radiotherapy that adapts beam intensity to the tumor’s shape using highly targeted photon or proton beams. It allows high-dose treatment near vital organs with reduced side effects.
IMRT is especially recommended for tumors near critical organs such as:
• Central Nervous System (brain, spine)
• Head and Neck
• Prostate
Even for other cancer types, IMRT offers lower side effects compared to 3D methods.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The Hygeia Obstetrics and Gynecology Department is designed to offer integrated care from a dedicated team of professionals, addressing women’s health at every stage of life. This department provides the full range of gynecological and obstetric medical services, including routine gynecological check-ups, pregnancy planning and monitoring, high-risk pregnancies, prenatal education courses for mothers and couples, childbirth and neonatal care, menopause management, as well as laparoscopic surgeries and successful surgical treatment of oncological cases.
The team of Greek and Albanian doctors—most of whom have been trained and specialized at top universities in the UK and the US—works closely with talented nurses and midwives. Assisted by the latest medical technologies and equipment, they provide every woman with personalized and high-quality care using the most advanced treatment techniques.
The gynecological surgeons in this department are specialized in minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques, which are applied in most surgical procedures, offering patients faster recovery, less pain, and minimal scarring.
Laparoscopy is a type of endoscopic surgery that enables specially trained surgeons to perform diagnostic or operative procedures. This surgical method avoids the large traditional incisions used in open surgery (laparotomy).
Laparoscopic surgery is an alternative to laparotomy and offers a number of advantages for patients, which is why it is increasingly used in gynecology.
Gynecological conditions treated laparoscopically include:
- Removal of uterine fibroids (myomas)
- Hysterectomy – partial or total
- Removal of ovarian cysts
- Ovarian removal
- Treatment of endometriosis
- Inspection of Fallopian tubes
- Tubal ligation (as a contraceptive method)
- Ectopic pregnancies
Advantages of laparoscopy:
- Small incisions that reduce postoperative pain
- Shorter postoperative rehabilitation, with many patients discharged the same day and returning to daily activities quickly
- Faster healing and shorter hospital stays, minimizing the risk of thrombosis and hospital-acquired infections
- Minimal risk of postoperative adhesions
- Minimal risk of postoperative hernias
- Excellent cosmetic results—laparoscopic incisions (5–10 mm) are incomparable to those of open surgery
At Hygeia Hospital, nearly all procedures for benign gynecological conditions, as well as a number of cancer treatments, can be performed endoscopically (laparoscopically).
Hysteroscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis under mild anesthesia. During hysteroscopy, the surgeon examines the inside of the uterus using a camera inserted through the vagina and cervix, without any incisions.
Hysteroscopy can be diagnostic or operative.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy takes about 5–10 minutes and is used to investigate:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual periods
- Bleeding between periods
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Unexplained or recurrent miscarriages
- Unsuccessful in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempts
Operative hysteroscopy, used to treat specific abnormalities, lasts about 20–25 minutes and is applied to:
- Improve IVF success rates
- Remove endometrial polyps
- Remove submucosal or intracavitary fibroids
- Correct congenital uterine anomalies, such as uterine septum
- Locate and remove intrauterine devices (IUDs) that are misplaced
- Remove uterine adhesions (scar tissue)
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild cramping and some bleeding for a few days, depending on the complexity of the intervention.
Patients can usually eat and drink normally and return to daily activities the following day. Sexual activity should be avoided for about a week or until bleeding stops, to reduce the risk of infection. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed.
Hysteroscopy is generally considered very safe, but as with any procedure, there are small risks of complications:
- Uterine perforation – rare, but may require blood transfusion or corrective surgery
- Heavy bleeding during or after the procedure
- Uterine infection
In general, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures are considered safe, with fewer side effects compared to open surgery.
Dr. Andreas Bazeos, MSc, FRCOG, Endoscopic Surgeon and Director of the Obstetrics-Gynecology Department, trained in London, UK, has performed over 5,000 laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures in both England and Greece. He and the rest of our experienced Endoscopy Team are happy to discuss your case in detail.