Departments

The Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Diseases at MBAL Varna provides highly qualified diagnostics, as well as conservative and surgical treatment for a wide range of head and neck conditions in both adults and children. The department combines long-standing clinical expertise with modern medical technologies to offer patients safe, prompt, and effective care in a comfortable hospital environment.

The department is staffed by a team of established specialists and dedicated nurses who implement individualized therapeutic strategies for every patient.

Core Activities and Diagnostic Capabilities

The department is equipped with modern devices for precise examination of the ENT organs, ensuring an accurate diagnosis during the initial consultation. Key diagnostic procedures include:

• Audiometry: Computerized hearing testing for diagnosing hearing loss, ear fullness, and tinnitus.

• Endoscopic Examinations: Minimally invasive video diagnostics of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and larynx.

• Transport Medical Expertise: Specialized examinations assessing fitness for transport sector operators (as part of the TOLEK medical board).

Surgical and Conservative Treatment

The operating suite is equipped with modern technology for a broad range of elective and emergency otorhinolaryngological interventions:

• Nasal and Sinus Surgery: Surgical management of impaired nasal breathing, deviated nasal septum (septoplasty), nasal polyps, and chronic sinusitis.

• Throat Surgery: Tonsillectomy in pediatric and adult patients, alongside vocal cord microsurgery for hoarseness.

• Management of Ear Conditions: Surgical and conservative treatment of acute and chronic otitis, as well as foreign body removal.

• Conservative Therapy: Modern inpatient treatment for acute infections, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and vestibular disorders (vertigo and dizziness).

Why Choose the ENT Department at MBAL Varna?

• Experienced Team: Highly skilled medical personnel undergoing continuous professional development.

• Painless Procedures: Close collaboration with experienced anesthesiologists ensures maximum comfort.

• NHIF Coverage: The department operates under all major clinical pathways in the ENT profile, accepting patients with referrals from general practitioners or specialists.

• Comprehensive Approach: Capability for immediate cross-consultations with cardiologists, neurologists, and gastroenterologists within the same hospital.

The Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at MBAL Varna provides specialized, highly qualified, and comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic care for diseases of the digestive system, liver, biliary tract, and pancreas. The department integrates established medical standards, an academic approach, and modern technological solutions to achieve precise diagnosis and effective therapeutic management.

Key Areas of Expertise:

• Hepatology: Comprehensive diagnosis, staging, and treatment of acute and chronic liver diseases, including viral, autoimmune, toxic, and metabolic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and its complications.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Precise diagnosis and administration of modern targeted and biological therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

• Ultrasound Diagnostics: High-resolution abdominal ultrasonography, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and ultrasound-guided interventional procedures (liver biopsy, drainage procedures).

Academic Staff and Research Activities:

The clinical process is led by prominent specialists with extensive clinical practice. The department serves as a training facility for medical students, residents, and specialists undergoing postgraduate education. The team's research activities are focused on implementing innovative diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, alongside active participation in national and international medical conferences.

Mission and Principles:

• Individualized Approach: Formulation of a personalized treatment plan tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each patient.

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Close cooperation with abdominal surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to ensure comprehensive care.

• Safety and Quality: Strict adherence to asepsis, antisepsis, and patient safety protocols in compliance with European medical standards.

The Surgery Department at MBAL Varna is a highly specialized unit providing 24/7 elective and emergency surgical care. It delivers modern surgical treatment across a broad spectrum of conditions in abdominal, general, and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.

The team of experienced surgeons, operating nurses, and anesthesiologists works in close coordination with the hospital's diagnostic units, ensuring rapid preparation, high intraoperative precision, and minimized hospital stays.

Advanced Equipment and Laparoscopic Techniques

The operating suite is equipped with modern technology complying with global medical standards. A core focus of the department is the advancement of laparoscopic surgery, performed through keyhole incisions guided by a specialized video camera. Benefits include:

• Reduced Postoperative Pain: Significantly lower pain levels following the intervention.

• Minimal Blood Loss: Low intraoperative blood loss and reduced complication risks.

• Rapid Recovery: Expedited postoperative rehabilitation and swift return to daily activities.

Scope of Surgical Care

The department successfully delivers surgical management for:

• Biliary and Pancreatic Disorders: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal for gallstones) and treatment of cholecystitis.

• Abdominal Wall Hernias: Inguinal, femoral, umbilical, and incisional hernias (utilizing high-quality surgical mesh for enhanced repair durability).

• Gastrointestinal Pathology: Surgical treatment of benign and malignant diseases affecting the stomach, small intestine, and colon.

• Proctology: Surgical and minimally invasive management of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas, and perianal abscesses.

• Emergency Surgery: Urgent interventions for acute appendicitis, incarcerated hernias, bowel obstruction (ileus), and peritonitis.

• Septic and Soft Tissue Surgery: Surgical debridement of infected wounds, abscesses, phlegmons, and excision of benign skin and subcutaneous lesions (lipomas, atheromas).

Why Choose the Surgical Department at MBAL Varna?

• Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Thorough preoperative assessment in collaboration with cardiologists and anesthesiologists to maximize patient safety.

• NHIF Coverage: Procedures and inpatient stays are covered under the National Health Insurance Fund clinical pathways (via Hospitalization Referral Form No. 7).

• Comfortable Environment & Round-the-Clock Care: Postoperative recovery rooms offer modern amenities with continuous monitoring and targeted pain management by the duty medical staff.

The Department of Neurology at MBAL Varna provides highly specialized diagnostic, consultative, and therapeutic care for the full spectrum of central and peripheral nervous system disorders. The department integrates established clinical protocols, an academic approach, and modern technological standards to ensure precise diagnosis and individualized patient management.

Core Areas of Expertise:

• Cerebrovascular Diseases (Brain Strokes): Emergency diagnosis, staging, and advanced management of acute ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, alongside primary and secondary stroke prevention.

• Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Conditions: Precise evaluation, classification, and optimization of antiepileptic drug therapy. The unit utilizes state-of-the-art electroencephalography (EEG) to assess the functional bioelectric activity of the brain.

• Inflammatory and Demyelinating Disorders (Multiple Sclerosis): Comprehensive diagnostic workup, monitoring of disease activity, and administration of modern disease-modifying therapies.

• Neurodegenerative Disorders and Dementias: Diagnostics and long-term management of Parkinson's disease, cognitive impairments, dementia syndromes (including Alzheimer's disease), and other extrapyramidal disorders.

• Peripheral Nervous System Diseases: Diagnostic evaluation and treatment of mono- and polyneuropathies (diabetic, toxic, inflammatory, and degenerative), radiculopathies, and plexopathies.

• Headache and Dizziness: Specialized assessment and management of primary and secondary headaches (migraine, tension-type headache) and central or peripheral vestibular disorders.

Functional and High-Tech Diagnostics:

The department is equipped with advanced electrophysiological equipment (EEG) and collaborates closely with the imaging department (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) to ensure rapid, precise etiologic and localization diagnoses.

Mission and Principles:

• Comprehensive Care: A complete pathway encompassing diagnosis, acute treatment, and early neurological rehabilitation.

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Close collaboration with cardiologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, radiologists, and physical therapists.

• High Standards of Care: Strict adherence to European neurological guidelines and evidence-based clinical practices.

The Department of Diagnostic Imaging provides precise, fast, and high-tech diagnostics for both elective and emergency patients. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art, latest-generation technology and staffed by a team of highly qualified radiologists and experienced radiographers.

Thanks to integrated digital systems (PACS), all imaging studies are archived digitally, ensuring immediate access to results for attending physicians and enabling rapid consultations in emergency cases.

Services Provided

The department performs a full spectrum of diagnostic procedures covering all anatomical areas:

Computed Tomography (CT)

• Brain, neck, chest, abdominal, and pelvic scans
• CT Angiography (CTA) of the vascular system
• Virtual colonoscopy
• Traumatology and musculoskeletal CT examinations with 3D reconstruction

Conventional and Digital Radiography (X-ray)

• Chest and lung X-rays
• Musculoskeletal system examinations (bones and joints)
• Abdominal plain radiograph

Fluoroscopy

• Dynamic examination of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines)

Ultrasound Diagnostics (Sonography)

• Abdominal and urogenital ultrasound
• Ultrasound of superficial structures (thyroid, breast, soft tissues)
• Doppler sonography for blood flow assessment

Mammography

• Prevention, screening, and diagnosis of breast diseases

Equipment and Technology

The department features high-tech equipment from leading global manufacturers:

• Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT): Fast scan times and low-dose protocols optimized for patient safety.
• Digital X-ray Systems: Minimal radiation exposure and high-resolution imaging.
• High-End Ultrasound Systems: Featuring Color Doppler and 3D/4D visualization capabilities.
• PACS / DICOM Network: Digital archiving system for fast transfer, storage, and digital access to imaging data.

Patient Services & Admission

The department serves:

• Patients funded by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) with a referral from a GP or specialist
• Inpatients admitted to the hospital
• Patients with voluntary health insurance policies
• Self-paying patients (according to the approved hospital price list)

Patient Information Before Examination

• For Contrast-Enhanced CT: A prior consultation regarding allergies and current kidney function lab tests (creatinine and urea) are required.
• For Abdominal Ultrasound: Fasting is recommended (no food intake for at least 6 hours prior to the exam).

The Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (DAIC) at MBAL Varna provides highly qualified medical care and comprehensive anesthesiology services for all surgical procedures within the hospital.

The department is equipped with modern devices for monitoring and maintaining vital functions. The team consists of experienced specialists in anesthesiology and intensive care, alongside specialized nurses who adhere to the highest medical standards.

Core Activities

Anesthesiology

• Preoperative consultation, risk assessment, and patient preparation

• Administration of all types of modern anesthesia (general inhalational and intravenous anesthesia, regional anesthesia – spinal, epidural, and peripheral nerve blocks)

• Intraoperative monitoring and control of vital signs during surgery

• Postoperative pain management and early recovery

Intensive Care

Intensive care is the branch of medicine dealing with critical episodes of any disease where a real risk of rapid deterioration or death exists. The department has a team of medical specialists in "Anesthesiology and Intensive Care" responsible for life-saving activities and intensive care hospital-wide. Its goal is to provide 24-hour high-quality, specialized, consultative, outpatient, inpatient, elective, and emergency medical care. Postoperative intensive care, when required, is provided in an intensive care unit equipped with hardware for continuous monitoring, pharmaceutical support of vital functions, and, if necessary, mechanical ventilation support.

Equipment and Technologies

The department is equipped with state-of-the-art technology:

• High-end Anesthesia Machines: Allowing precise dosing of anesthetics and monitoring of respiratory parameters.

• Ventilators for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation: Supporting a variety of modes for invasive and non-invasive therapy.

• Multiparameter Patient Monitors: For continuous 24/7 tracking of ECG, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and invasive pressures.

• Syringe and Infusion Pumps: For accurate micro-dosing of medications and vasoactive support.

• Defibrillators and Rapid Blood/Fluid Warming Devices.

Information for Patient Relatives

• Visiting Hours: Due to the specific condition of patients in the DAIC, access is limited. Visits are permitted only by exception and upon approval from the Head of the Department or the doctor on duty.

• Patient Status Updates: Information regarding the health status of patients is provided to immediate family members by the duty anestheshesiologist-intensivist during designated hours.

The Clinical Laboratory provides precise, timely, and reliable laboratory testing for both elective and emergency patients. The department is equipped with latest-generation automated analytical systems and operates under strict internal and external quality control.

The team of clinical pathology/laboratory physicians, medical biologists, and experienced laboratory technicians guarantees high accuracy of results and fast sample processing. All analyzers are integrated into a Laboratory Information System (LIS), ensuring direct control over the entire process—from sample collection to digital retrieval of results.

Services Provided

The laboratory performs a wide range of diagnostic parameters:

Hematology

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with automated 5-part differential leukocyte count
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• Reticulocytes and erythrocyte morphology

Coagulation and Hemostasis

• Prothrombin Time (PT / INR), APTT, Fibrinogen
• D-dimer for thromboembolic diagnostics

Clinical Biochemistry

• Substrates and enzymes (Liver, kidney, and metabolic markers)
• Lipid profile (Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Triglycerides)
• Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium)
• Iron metabolism (Iron, TIBC, Ferritin)

Immunochemistry and Hormones

• Thyroid and sex hormones
• Tumor markers (PSA, CA 125, CEA, CA 19-9, etc.)
• Cardiac markers (Troponin, NT-proBNP) for emergency cases
• Inflammatory markers (CRP, Procalcitonin)
• Vitamins (Vitamin D, Vitamin B12)

Urinalysis

• Physical-chemical analysis of urine and sediment
• Quantitative measurement of protein, microalbumin, and other parameters in 24-hour urine collection

Equipment and Quality Control

• Fully Automated Biochemical and Immunological Systems: Integrated analytical lines from global leaders in diagnostics (Roche, Siemens, Abbott), eliminating subjective error.
• Laboratory Information System (LIS): A barcode-tracked system ensuring full sample traceability and fast online access to results for both patients and physicians.
• Quality Control: The laboratory regularly participates in the National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) and holds certificates of compliance with the highest medical standards.

Patient Services & Admission

The laboratory serves:

• Patients funded by the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) (with a laboratory test referral form)
• Inpatients admitted to the hospital
• Patients with voluntary health insurance policies
• Self-paying patients (no referral required)

Patient Preparation Guidelines

• Blood Collection: Recommended in the morning (between 07:30 and 10:00 AM), on an empty stomach (at least 12 hours after the last meal), and prior to taking medication (unless otherwise instructed by your attending physician).
• Lipid Profile and Blood Glucose Testing: Requires complete fasting from the previous evening; only plain water is permitted on the morning of the test.
• Urinalysis: Use the first morning urine (midstream sample), collected in a sterile container after proper hygiene.