Go to main content

Department of Digestive Diseases and Transplantation and General Surgery

​We diagnose and treat patients with diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. Treatment is provided through both surgery and medical management. We also perform liver transplantations as well as simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantations. The Nutrition Clinic is an integrated part of our department.

​The Department of Transplantation and Digestive Diseases provides highly specialized surgical and medical care for patients with diseases of the liver, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. Our mission is to deliver expert treatment through both surgical intervention and medical management, ensuring the best outcomes for patients with complex conditions.​

Specialized Units

The department is organized into several highly specialized areas, offering outpatient clinics, surgical units, and inpatient wards.

Surgical Specialties
Responsible for advanced surgical procedures, including:

  • Esophagus and Stomach Surgery: Specialized surgery for the upper digestive tract.
  • Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery: Complex operations involving the liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.
  • Specialized Pediatric Surgery: Surgical care tailored specifically for children.
  • Complex Reconstructive Surgery: Management of multi-operated patients requiring expert intervention.

Medical Specialties

Responsible for the non-surgical management of rare and severe conditions, including:

  • Hepatology: Treatment of acute and chronic liver failure, including specialized intensive care and evaluation for TIPS procedures.
  • Gastroenterology: Management of intestinal failure, rare gastrointestinal diseases, and complicated inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
  • Clinical Nutrition: A cross-disciplinary unit (Klinik for Ernæring) specializing in medical nutrition, including tube feeding and parenteral nutrition for patients who cannot absorb nutrients normally.

Transplantation

A leading national center performing life-saving procedures, including:

  • Liver Transplantation: Serving as the primary national unit for patients requiring new liver function.
  • Combined Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation: Highly specialized dual-organ transplants for complex metabolic and renal cases.
The department also serves as a critical support function for the Trauma Center at Rigshospitalet, providing acute surgical assessment for life-threatening conditions.
Head of Department / Chief Physician
Jens Hillingsø​

​​​Tel.: 35 45 21 20
E-mail: jens.hillingsoe@regionh.dk


​​
Acting Chief Nurse
Trine Toft Lundbye
Tel.: 35 45 10 46
E-mail: trine.toft.lundbye@regionh.dk
​

Entrance 2, 12th Floor
Inge Lehmanns Vej 7
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø
Phone: (+45) 35 45 21 23
E-mail: transplantation-fordoejelsessystem.rigshospitalet@regionh.dk​


Map​​

 På da​​​nsk​​​​​​​

News from Rigshospitalet

Congratulations to Newly Graduated Medical Student from the Phase 1 Unit

​We are delighted to congratulate our medical student, Sediga Nateqi, on the successful completion of her master’s thesis “The Potential of Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Biliary Tract Cancer” at the Phase 1 Unit, Rigshospitalet.

ASCO 2026: Novel Insights in MTAP-Deleted Primary CNS Tumours

​Whole genome sequencing reveals additional insights and opportunities for precision treatment in brain tumour patients.

Close Danish National Collaboration on Molecular Diagnostics

​Differences in Tumour Mutational Burden Assessment – Results from a National Ring Trial​

New Partnership to Develop Solutions for the Future of Healthcare

A new collaboration between Rigshospitalet, Zealand University Hospital and Siemens Healthineers aims to strengthen quality of care and health equity by bringing together public and private actors to develop solutions that work in practice.

NUHA Annual Summit 2026: Uniting Nordic Excellence in Healthcare

Leaders and experts from the Nordic University Hospital Alliance (NUHA), representing the university hospitals of Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and Reykjavík, gathered in Oslo on 4–5 May 2026 for the NUHA Annual Summit. 

Rigshospitalet recognised among the world’s best hospitals in 2026

​The 2026 edition of World’s Best Hospitals, published annually by Newsweek, places two Nordic hospitals among the global top fifteen, with Rigshospitalet – Copenhagen University Hospital at 15th place and Karolinska University Hospital at 4th place worldwide. It is an acknowledgement of the strong tradition for high‑quality, publicly funded healthcare in the Nordic region.

Innovation District Copenhagen appoints new CEO

​Innovation District Copenhagen (IDC) has appointed Annemarie Munk Riis as its new Chief Executive Officer, taking up the position on June 1st 2026. She arrives directly from a position as CEO at Green Building Council and holds a degree in economics from the University of Copenhagen and a PhD from Copenhagen Business School. 
CollaborationSkåneRH

New Danish–Swedish hospital collaboration to boost research and patient treatment

​Conducting large clinical studies and sharing research data between Sweden and Denmark is about to become easier. Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital and Skåne University Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate cross-border collaboration and strengthen health innovation in the Öresund Region.

Sensory play installations will create a safer hospital experience for children across the country

​New play installations at Mary Elizabeths Hospital, Aalborg University Hospital, and Sygehus Lillebælt will help children feel calmer and more confident before medical examinations. Nordea-fonden is funding the project with DKK 12.25 million.​

2025 Highlights from the Phase 1 Unit at Rigshospitalet

​In 2025, the Phase 1 Unit at Rigshospitalet continued to strengthen its position as a leading Nordic site for early-phase clinical research, supporting partners and sponsors in the efficient and safe development of innovative therapies.
Klik for at scrolle op eller ned p� siden G� til toppen af siden

Rigshospitalet

Rigshospitalet

Blegdamsvej 9

DK - 2100 Copenhagen

T (+45) 35 45 35 45

E

Rigshospitalet

Valdemar Hansens Vej 1-27

DK - 2600 Glostrup

T (+45) 38 63 38 63​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​