Thoracic Surgery, Elmshorn (Schleswig-Holstein): Dr Norman Zinne
Treatment focus
- Benign pulmonary diseases (pneumothorax)
- Malignant pulmonary diseases (lung cancer, lung metastases)
- Diseases of the mediastinum (pleural mesothelioma, thymomas)
- Pleural diseases (pleural effusion, pleural empyema)
- Injuries or deformities of the chest (funnel chest, pigeon chest)
Contact
Regio Klinikum Elmshorn
Clinic for Thoracic Surgery
Agnes-Karll-Allee 17, D-25337 Elmshorn
P: +49 4121 274 9004 F: +49 4121 798 527
Consultation Hours:
By appointment

More Information
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Dr Norman Zinne is a thoracic surgery specialist and head physician at the Clinic for Thoracic Surgery at Regio Klinikum Elmshorn, which is located close to the Hamburg metropolitan area.
Dr Zinne and his team of experts treat all benign and malignant diseases of the lungs, mediastinum, airways and chest wall. Treatments are always tailored to each patient individually. The focus is on modern, minimally invasive procedures, such as keyhole surgery (VATS and U-VATS), which enable complex procedures to be performed through very small incisions. Patients experience less pain, smaller scars, a faster recovery and earlier discharge compared to open surgery.
Thoracic Surgery at the Highest Medical Standards
Dr Norman Zinne is renowned for his thoracic surgeries, which combine state-of-the-art technology with extensive clinical experience. As head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Regio Klinikum Elmshorn and the Pinneberg location near Hamburg, he treats patients with lung, pleura, mediastinum, and respiratory tract diseases. He consistently focuses his treatment strategy on minimally invasive procedures that often require only a single small incision. This spares the surrounding tissue, significantly reducing the need for pain medication, the risk of complications, and the length of hospital stays.
The evaluation is always thorough and personalized. Imaging, functional diagnostics, and interdisciplinary consultations ensure that each patient receives a personalized treatment plan. Dr Zinne collaborates closely with pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists to make decisions based on comprehensive, well-founded information. This approach results in care that combines medical precision with a high level of personalized support.
Thanks to the centers' excellent transportation connections, thoracic surgery specialists are easily accessible to Hamburg residents and out-of-town patients.
Experienced Specialist in Congenital Chest Wall Deformities Such as Funnel Chest and Pigeon Chest
Congenital chest abnormalities can cause physical and emotional distress in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr Norman Zinne is highly experienced in surgically correcting such deformities and provides patients with careful, personalized care. Even during the initial consultation, he thoroughly assesses symptoms, limitations, and expectations. Modern imaging technology and a structured clinical examination help determine the severity of the deformity and whether treatment is appropriate.
Minimally invasive techniques are preferred whenever a correction is recommended, as they restore a natural chest contour without placing unnecessary strain on the body. These procedures usually result in significant improvements in breathing, physical endurance, and body image. Dr Zinne provides close follow-up care to safely guide his patients through all phases of treatment and ensure the long-term stability of result
An Interdisciplinary Treatment Approach for Lung Tumors and Lung Metastases
Lung cancer and lung metastases are serious diseases that require careful diagnosis and treatment. Dr Norman Zinne provides comprehensive, personalized care to patients at the Clinic for Thoracic Surgery at Regio Klinikum Elmshorn and in Pinneberg. The process begins with a thorough evaluation that uses modern imaging techniques, such as CT or PET scans, to determine the tumor's precise size, location, and extent.
An interdisciplinary team closely coordinates oncology, radiology, pulmonology, and surgery to carry out treatment planning. The goal is to safely remove tumors while preserving lung function. Minimally invasive surgical techniques are often employed, necessitating only small incisions and significantly reducing physical strain. Many Hamburg patients also seek specialized care in Elmshorn and Pinneberg because these locations are easily accessible.
Dr Zinne places particular emphasis on a gentle, patient-friendly approach that minimizes pain and shortens recovery time. Postoperative follow-up care is also a central component of treatment, enabling early detection of relapses and the timely initiation of further measures. In this way, patients benefit from a therapy that is precise and individually tailored to their needs.
Highest Level of Expertise in Mediastinal Diseases Such as Thymomas and Mesotheliomas
The mediastinum is located between the lungs and contains important structures, such as the heart, major blood vessels, the trachea, and the esophagus. Tumors in this area, including thymomas and rare mesotheliomas, can cause symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and pressure in the chest. Dr Norman Zinne treats these conditions with great precision and expertise.
Diagnostics are done using state-of-the-art imaging techniques to accurately determine the tumor's size, location, and extent. If surgery is necessary, Dr Zinne uses minimally invasive techniques that spare the surrounding tissue and preserve lung function.
Concomitant conditions are given special attention: thymomas are sometimes associated with myasthenia gravis, a condition that causes muscle weakness, while mesotheliomas are often associated with long-term exposure to asbestos. Treatment is tailored to each patient in both cases to safely remove tumors, preserve mediastinal function, and ensure long-term quality of life.
Curriculum Vitae
| Since 2024 | Head Physician in Thoracic Surgery, Sana Regio Kliniken |
| 2020 - 2023 | Senior Physician and Representative Head of the Section of Thoracic Surgery, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover |
| 2017 - 2019 | Specialist in Thoracic Surgery, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover |
| 2014 - 2024 | Thoracic Retrieval Service, Deutsche Stiftung Organtransplantation |
| 2011 - 2017 | Assistant Physician for Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant, and Vascular Surgery, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover |
Regio Klinikum Pinneberg
Clinic for Thoracic Surgery
Fahltskamp 74, D-25421 Pinneberg
Transport Connections
| Elmshorn Train Station | 3 km |
| Hamburg Main Station | 33 km |
| Hamburg Airport | 34 km |
Information about Elmshorn
Elmshorn, a growing town in Schleswig-Holstein near Hamburg, offers excellent transport links, modern city life and maritime flair on the Krückau river. With a strong SME economy, diverse educational opportunities and attractive leisure and cultural activities, Elmshorn offers a high quality of life. The combination of historic townscape, new neighbourhoods and natural recreational areas makes Elmshorn a sought-after residential and business location in northern Germany.



