Guestbook

Dear Martini-Klinik!

I want to express my greatest appreciation for the Excellent treatment at the Martini-Klinik and surgery early February. I had been diagnosed with prostata cancer just before Christmas and Although the doctors had explained it was not aggressive, surgery was necessary. Having reviewed the statistics together with my wife, we selected the Martini-Klinik through Evidia in Norway. From the day of arrival until I left, everything was perfect. Of course big thanks to professor Heinzer for the operation, Anne Braathen who explained everything on the day of arrival, in Norwegian, and Joy Schroeder and the nurses who helped me get back on my feet. And the food was excellent! The operation was successful and now 6 weeks later I am regaining control, and I am back to work. I would highly recommend the Martini-klinik. There is Nothing more important than your health. I was impressed by the professionalism and «Ordnung muss sein»! Also, for anyone who´s reading this, pls take it seriously if you get an indication of prostata cancer. Don’t wait. I also have to thank my wife for pushing me ahead, carrying luggage back to Stavanger and nursing at home. Happy wife, happy life!

AUF Wiedersehen! Thanks again!

Best Regards

Petter

After a week in Martini-Klink I want to say a big THANK YOU to Professor Dr Graefen and his team who really take care of me on the best way!

The way you you took care of me before, under and after the operation is world class!

My expectations were high but you exceeded them.

Good food, personal service by nice nurses and an extra plus for the wine in the evening is something you even can’t dream of in Sweden.

You gave me back my life and a nice week in Germany.

Michael S from Karlsruhe Operation Dec 15. I researched many Prostate Cancer Hospitals worldwide and decided on the Martini-Klinik based on their published metrics, the total number of operations completed every year and their positive reviews. It has been nearly two months since my operation, and I am certain I made the best choice. It was obvious from the moment I arrived at the clinic that I was receiving the best care available anywhere. The entire staff is attentive, professional and have the highest standards. I want to especially recognize Professor Salomon for the excellent operation he performed. After the operation, he spoke with me on two occasions to give me important information and answer all my questions. I am certain, without any doubt, that I received the best care available from any surgeon worldwide from Professor Salomon. Cancer is serious and a heavy burden for a patient. The doctors and nurses who provide care before and after an operation are very important to the physical and mental condition of a patient. The difference between a very good hospital and an excellent hospital is based on the dedication and commitment of the entire staff. I can, without hesitation, say that the Martini-Klinik is an excellent hospital. The best of the best. The entire staff was outstanding, and I am very grateful for the wonderful care they provided. I am mentioning the following persons because I remember their respective names. Agata Price, Caroline Schuetz, Dirk Weichenhain. I do not know the family names of the following persons. Adrianna and Sebastian. Martini-Klinik, Thank you!

One of the hardest things in life is facing a cancer diagnosis. After the decision for surgery, there are concerns about what comes after it. I searched the web for a long time for information about the best prostate surgery clinics and finally decided on yours. Now I can say that it was one of the best decisions of my life. I will never forget the high level of professionalism and friendliness of the clinic staff from the time I entered the clinic to the time I left. Special thanks goes to Prof. Graefen, who performed the surgery and made it possible that I would be able to live normally after the surgery. I don’t wish anyone to go through my experience, but I will recommend your clinic to anyone who will have to deal with this disease like I did. Sincere thanks for everything.

It's now been 11 weeks since my successful surgery done by Dr. Haese. My first PSA was undetectable which is the most important. In my case I was fully continent directly after catheter removal. Still struggling with ED but things are slowly moving towards the better and according to plan. I'm of course very thankful towards Dr. Haese who was the tip of the spear during this journey. But for me it is equally important to thank all the people I met during my time at the Martini-Klinik. From the first contact with the helpful administration staff to the last nurses who helped me with the departure. Being in a foreign country and preparing for an operation whose outcome you do not know is a vulnerable situation. The days after surgery can be difficult even if the procedure was performed by a world-class surgeon. Throughout this process, the staff at the Martini-Klinik were helpful, professional and empathetic. I felt safe the whole time I was there. I also appreciated that I could talk to other patients who were in the same situation and share experiences both before and after the procedure. So many thanks to everyone I met at the Martini-Klinik for doing what was required, or in most cases, much more than that. With great gratitude. Patrik 49 years old from Sweden

I travelled 1/2 way around the world from Australia to be treated by the renowned Professer Graefen. From the moment of admission to the last day (8 days in total) nothing was left wanting.

A huge thank you to all nurses as well. I would 100% recommend the Clinic to my friends back home. This care and the procedure in nerve saving is so valuable.

Thanks so much again Professor M. Graefen.

First, to express my gratitude towards Prof. Dr. Graefen and his entire team.

Thank you very much Prof. Dr. Graefen for your professionalism and kindness. Prior surgery, I had a prostate fusion biopsy at Martini-Klinik performed by Dr. Yamini Nagaraj, who was extremely attentive and empathetic. I want to thank to Dr. med. Franziska von Breunig, anesthesiologist, who looked after me during and after the surgery with great care. Thank you also to all the nurses for their professionalism and empathy, their support was vital in the recovery after surgery. They helped me to try to become independent as soon as possible.

The second reason I wrote this review is to share my experience hoping that it would be useful for people receiving the diagnosis of prostate cancer. To be honest, when hearing the diagnosis, I was more afraid about the morbidity of the treatment than the evolution of the disease and my survival. Quality of life may be more important than life itself. I had no symptoms, I felt well, just the PSA level was increasing and eventually, no surprise that the diagnosis came like an earthquake that changed all my life and all my thoughts.

I began asking, reading and researching on the internet to find the best treatment choice for me. It was hard to decide between prostatectomy and some kind of radiotherapy. It even crossed my mind that maybe it would be better to go on with my life and to postpone the treatment. I was working and enjoying life and was horrified by the perspective of possible major changes in my life in many aspects.

Although I am a doctor, it was hard to compare the results of the different methods cited in the medical literature. I tried to find forums on this subject and the experiences I read about on there were not optimistic.

Convinced by the philosophy of the Martini-Klinik: doing one thing and doing it excellent, by their huge experience by far the largest in the world and their results, I followed Prof. Dr. Graefen recommendation and got scheduled for surgery.

Organisation was perfect. Surgery went well, with negative margin and bilateral nerve sparing. Prof. Dr. Graefen told me that everything went as planned. He answered to all my questions and he explained me in detail the postoperative histologic result. The recovery took few days and I was puzzled and amazed seeing colleagues that seemed older than me recovering even faster and walking soon after surgery in the hospital garden. The urethral catheter was removed after 5 days and after another 2 days I had fully continence and erection. Fabulous! I soon went home and in less than 3 weeks from surgery I was back to work. I felt fine prior surgery, but now I am feeling somehow better because maybe I am relieved of the diagnosis and possible post-surgery morbidity.

Even now I cannot believe how extraordinary I am feeling. Of course I am aware that it is not the same for everyone, but it can also be like this and that is why I wanted to testify. I wish you to never have medical problems, but if you are unfortunate to have prostate cancer, go to Hamburg, go to the Martini-Klinik and follow their advice. They are the best. Thank you very much!

In February 2022 I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, I had been on active surveillance for some years but now there seemed a sudden urgency. My urologist at the time had proposed Brachytherapy which he would perform but my GP urged me to seek other opinions, thankfully I did.

Following consultations with other urologists it was suggested by more than one doctor that I contact the Martini Klinik Hamburg in respect to robotic radical prostatectomy and I’m glad I did. I spent some time on their website read the reviews just as you are doing now, saw the videos and decided to call the Klinik. The onboarding team were fantastic they were friendly, helpful, patient and extremely understanding. I was sent forms to fill out and tests to do as soon as possible. Within days they had organised a telephone consultation with Professor Dr Markus Graefen and my mind was made up. I was booked in for surgery on the 8 April 2022 with Professor Dr Greafen.

The weeks leading up to me traveling to Hamburg I felt anxious and to be quiet honest down but once I got there an unexpected calmness came over me. It didn’t take long for me to realise that I arrived at a finely tuned and very well organised Klinik. Based on my experience if you are looking for a Klinik with a fantastic support team, extremely kind and caring nurses that go out of their way to comfort you, doctors,anesthesiologists and high volume surgeons that you can put your trust in I believe the Martini-Klinik Hamburg is it.

My thanks and appreciation go out to Professor Dr Graefen and his team for their great care and attention. And to you the reader, whatever you decide to do , I wish you well.

I am an American residing in the Rheinland-Pfalz who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April of 2021. My urologist explained in detail the treatment options which were opened to me, with a particular emphasis on the care I could receive at the Martini-Klinik. She insisted: "They are the best in the world." I considered the options and decided that a radical prostatectomy at the Martini-Klinik would be the most prudent decision. My urologist put me in contact with the clinic. I was concerned that my poor command of German would be a hindrance in the organizing stages but I was relieved to find that Frau Steinhauer (my contact at the clinic) was more than adequate to the task of preparing my initial consultation. When I told her that I had not researched matters to the point of selecting a surgeon, she told me that she could do that for me. Given the clinic's reputation I felt no qualms. Within a few days of my conversation with Frau Steinhauer, I had a consultation with Prof. Dr. Graefen, who has had the time to review all of my records. We had a long conversation during which he explained the exact nature of the intervention I was about to undergo. Dr. Graefen took great pains to emphasize that the immediate accessibility of a laboratory made it possible to make informed choices as to the degree of invasiveness of the intervention. (For example should some of the lymph nodes be removed.) The professional poise of Frau Steinhauer and the calm assurance of Dr. Graefen comforted me in my choice. In late July of 2021 I checked into the clinic. All the procedures which had been described in previously received reading material were followed almost to the letter. It was clear that I was one of many patients who had been processed, yet the personnel was so friendly and attentive that I felt quite at ease and relaxed when, on the day following my admission, I underwent the operation. The day after the operation, Dr. Graefen told me that everything went very well and that I should preserve continence and potency. All I had to do was follow the direction of the staff (phenomenally kind and helpful) and wait a few days. I considered returning home before the catheter had been removed, but I thought it best to wait until I was through the full recommended treatment. That turned out to be a great decision. When I left the clinic (7 nights) I was in fine spirits and able to convey fully to Dr. Graefen and the rest of the staff how grateful I was, and remain, for all that they did for me leading up to and during my stay at the clinic. A radical prostatectomy is a procedure which sends shivers down the spine of many men. If you are shivering, contact the Martini-Klinik and give serious consideration to placing yourself in the hands of a truly magnificent collective.

I would like to thank Prof. Graefen and his entire team for an excellent experience at the Martini-Klinik in Hamburg.

Most importantly, the surgery performed by Prof. Graefen was successful for which I cannot thank him enough! In addition, Prof. Graefen provided highly valuable pre- and post-surgery advice which proved to be very reassuring and calming.

The postoperative care from each of the prostate cancer-specialized doctors, nurses and service personnel was simply outstanding, and they significantly contributed to my quick recovery. A heartfelt thank you to them for their professionalism, passion and patience!

While some hospitals release their patients after this invasive surgery already after a couple of days, the Martini-Klinik typically does it after one week which is a significant benefit versus dealing with the regular post-surgery issues alone at home.

The facility feels very intimate, personal and comfortable and - yet - has the benefit of being connected to the large Hamburg university hospital. Actually - given the great success of the Martini-Klinik - they are expanding into a new building which is currently being constructed.

The Martini-Klinik’s high degree of specialization, large number of surgeries and close tracking of results provide great confidence that its surgeons, doctors and nurses have seen any particular case attribute before and can recommend the best possible treatment available.

In summary, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Martini-Klinik - no matter where someone lives.

I am now safely back home in Norway and would like to thank all the staff at Martini-Klinik with whom I have been in contact for a fantastic service, professionalism and dedication during my stay. I am impressed by many aspects of the clinic’s operation. Of course, the “technical” knowledge and skill regarding the operation itself, but also how the entire stay is organised and what I experienced as a very good working environment which leads to a pleasant atmosphere for patients who are, after all, patient in a difficult situation. The same applies to partners, in my case my wife, who felt equally well taken care of.

Best wishes and thank you

Per B.

Now that I am at home recovering from surgery, I wish to thank Prof Dr Salomon and the entire team for the excellent treatment and caring attitude throughout my stay in the clinic and afterwards. I would recommend the Martini Klinik to any friend who is diagnosed with prostate cancer.

As a Young (51) patient I had a lot to lose in regarding potency and continence. For this reason my local hospital advised against surgery, as they evaluated my cancer as ”low risk”.

However, a second opinion from a local professor advised to get the surgery soon, and mentioned that the Martini-Klinik surgeons are ”World Class”, due to their very extensive experience. In my hospital in Denmark 5-10 surgeons make a total of 220 prostatectomies per year. At Martini, 9 surgeons make 2200! In addition, I found lots of scientific articles, showing that Martini-Klinik doctors are fully up to date on new developments within their area of expertise.

On the last day of January 19, Prof. Graefen removed my prostate. After 4 days with a catheter and an extra day to make sure everything was OK, I returned home.

I was continent from day one and when tested after 2 weeks, the potency had suffered no damage whatsoever! The histology showed, that I had come at the last minute, -despite the advice from my local hospital, to do Active Surveillance!

Every case of prostate cancer is unique, but my advice for other young patients is to go ahead with the surgery. This will give you the best possible chances controlling the cancer and the Martini surgeons can do the surgery very well, leaving you with good quality of life afterwards.

In addition to Prof. Graefen, I would like to thank the nurses at station one, especially Claus, Joy, Ann and Elke. Thanks for good care and good talks.

A cancer diagnosis is devastating and the need for reassurance and confidence in what lies ahead is overwhelming. Having read about the Martini-Klinik on the website, and later having consulted Prof. Dr. Graefen, I felt sure that the Martini-Klinik was the right solution for me. Having undergone a prostatectomy, superbly performed by Prof. Dr. Salomon and his team, and having received the treatment and care in the week to follow at the clinic, I am completely convinced, and will recommend to anyone in the unfortunate situation of needing treatment for prostate cancer to seek consultation and treatment at the Martini-Klinik. Professionalism, unparalleled surgical experience, incredible thoroughness and personalized treatment in both care and follow-up consultations, and kindness from every single member of the staff, no matter which function, are all hallmarks of the Martini-Klinik. In my case nerves were spared on one side, the catheter was removed on the 5th day after surgery and I have been completely continent from day 6 after surgery.

I feel privileged and grateful. A mere thank you seems inadequate and disproportionate, but nevertheless: a warm and heartfelt Thank You!

Gordon A.

To Prof. Dr. Georg Salomon and all the staff on private ward 1 and to Martini-Klinik

I wanted to express my thanks and appreciation for the wonderful treatment and care you all showed to me following my open retropubic prostatectomy.

First of all I would like to thank to Prof. Dr. Georg Salomon. I visited Prof. Salomon on October 2018 to ask about possibility of the focal therapy of my tumour. He ordered a fusion biopsy, which was made in three weeks by Dr med. Yamini Nagaraj. Unfortunately result of the biopsy excluded focal therapy and Prof. Salomon explained me that open retropubic prostatectomy will be the best treatment for me. From our first contact Prof. Salomon emanated with professionalism, calmness as well as great warmth and optimism. It helped me very much to take immediately decision to be treated in Martini -Klinik. Operation and postoperative care provide by Prof. Salomon was simply “magic” and helped me a lot to survive this difficult period. Results of operation were excellent - nerve sparing and negative margin. Pathologic report was also gracious for me and I have the very big chance to be cured (I was impressed the quality of this report as well as short time of its preparation). Catheter was removed on fourth day after operation and I was discharged on day no six. From the beginning I had good urination control (problems only during changing of position) and on 13th day after operation I almost control urination completely. For me it was a great honour, pleasure and luck to meet Prof. Salomon and I am very thankful that he agreed to treat me.

In this place I would like to thank to Dr med. Franziska von Breunig – anaesthesiologist who took care for me during and after operation.

I want to thank a lot to all nurses for caring for me when I was helpless in the days immediately following the operation and also gave me the support and encouragement I needed to take my first steps on the road to my rehabilitation which meant so much to me. Professionalism, heart and patience of nurses in Martini-Klinik is very impressive. Especially that they have to follow many demanding medical procedures. Despite the perfect care it is important that patients are trained to be independent as soon as possible. I did not expect how it is important, when I had to use the urethral catheter.

I would like also to thank all medical doctors working in the ward no 1 and particularly thank Dr. Lara Franziska Stolzenbach who provided a lot of support to control my postoperative complaints.

I want also to thank to Mr. Alexander Krueger – psychologist, who explained me a lot of important issues concerning my life after operation.

Also catering and service personnel was perfect and touching, thank you very much for all your efforts. By the way, it is interesting that in a lounge every afternoon is served fantastic cake, red and white wine, sparkling wine and beer. Visitors and patients can better enjoy postoperative period.

It is also very important that Martini Klinik provides patients with all necessary equipment during a stay. Patients should only have gym suit or 1 size bigger comfortable clothes (belly circumference could be increased after operation). Families and friends can visit patients all the time, close to the Martini Klinik is located Dorint hotel, which is very suitable for such purpose.

I am sorry when I forgot to mention somebody but thank you all once again for all your care and support.

Best regards,

Piotr

Martini Team, I would like to personally take this time now that I am at home and on my way to a full recovery to give my deepest appreciation and thanks for the most wonderful care and treatment I received from all of you during my stay 2-9 July 2018.

Being from California and now living in the Saarland it was not an easy choice for me to decide to have my surgery completed at the Martini-Klinik let alone in Germany. However, after my first visit back in February with Professor Salomon to have a consultation and a look at the facilities, I was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of everyone I came into contact with there. It came to be that after my consultation and ultra-sound I was convinced this was place to have my treatment completed as it was not yet determined what be best for my case. It later turned out to be surgery after having my MRI guided biopsy performed also by the Martini Klinik.

From the cleaning personnel who cleaned my room, the in-processing administration staff, catering, nurses, medical assistants, doctors, etc. I can’t say enough – Thank You for everything you did for me to make me feel at home. A special thank you to Professor Huland and his team who performed the perfect surgery on me and who checked on me daily – Thank You. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Salomon who came by to see how I was doing even though he did not perform the operation on me – Thank You.

I can testify now that within two weeks everything is working 100%. I owe my rapid recovery to an exceptionally skilled and motivated surgical team and the team in Ward 1. Everyone there was extremely polite, friendly and approachable so that never before have I ever felt so cared for by people who loved their job and wanted nothing more than to assist me in my recovery. I could not help but smile every day I was there at the klinik.

The Martini-Klinik will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope not to have to make any more medical visits there but I am planning on returning for a one year anniversary of being cancer free by running the Hamburg Half Marathon and stopping by station 1 to say hello to everyone who took such great care of me and my wife who was always by myside.

With the most sincere and deepest appreciation, THANK YOU to everyone who is part of the Martini Team and for running what I believe is absolutely the best place in the world to treat prostate cancer. You should all be very proud of what you do and accomplish every day for people like myself. I can’t say enough about how great the Martini-Klinik is and how skilled, dedicated and motivated they are to doing their job, and giving the highest patient care possible.

Again Thank You and Best Wishes to All,

Tom

PS. I think at the 2 month point I send a video to you all of me waterskiing on the Mosel

I was an advanced 3B stage patient. I had surgery at Martini-Klinik on the 16th of May, 2018. In a word, I was deeply impressed by the advanced technology at Martini-Klinik. I want to say their technology is like art. My original doctor told me that I had missed the time to get surgery, so I was waiting for my hormone treatment to become effective to see whether I could receive radiation therapy. During that time my sister, who is working at a hospital in Germany, found that Martini-Klinik is famous for prostate cancer operation, and I have been awarded their reputation to be very well deserved.

Anyway, after MRI and PSMA-PET-CT at the clinic I was operated on May 16, 2018. In other words, they gave me the opportunity to receive surgery. I believe the surgery option can yield at the minimum the same or even better results than radiation therapy. Furthermore, if any problem with surgery had occurred, there is still an option to receive radiation therapy. I believe the good survival rates of Martini-Klinik are due to their decision to employ surgery if possible.

I also didn’t believe that I would be able to walk just one day after surgery, but I could do so. And I was not even given any antibiotics after surgery. After six days the catheter could be removed (normally this takes five days; I stayed at Martini-Klinik one more day because of a holiday). I worried about using control over my bladder, but I only needed to wear a diaper a day. That also was beyond my expectation. I am an Asian man of 61 years, and every case is different, but you can expect better results there than at any other hospital in the world, according to records shown on the internet homepage of Martini-Klinik and to the best of my knowledge.

No one can argue against experience in the field being the most important factor for prostate cancer surgery. That was another reason for me to choose Martini-Klinik.

I am writing down my impressions on the airplane back to my country. I think I was lucky to find Martini-Klinik and receive treatment there. I was lucky that the results of my surgery were very different from the predictions of the doctors at my former hospital. That I regained control over my bladder after such a short period, was also beyond my expectations. I cannot be sure about my future yet, but I believe that it would be better, because I can still receive radiation therapy in case my condition worsens. I almost lost this opportunity because my cancer was found late, but Martini-Klinik gave me the chance to receive surgery, so I feel great appreciation for Professor Heinzer. It was important that I got the surgery which we had thought impossible. I remember that my first question to Professor Heinzer was: “Do you think I can get surgery or it is best for me to get surgery?”, and his reply was “Surgery is your best option”. That was contrary to my original doctors.

In a word, I experienced series of marvelous events at this hospital. I feel very lucky and thankful that I had the honor of meeting Professor Heinzer in my life!

I would like to thank everyone at the Martini-Klinik for making me feel very comfotable throughout my stay. I cannot thank enough the Professors, Doctors, Nurses, administartion, catering staff etc etc.

It is a truly professional establishment next to none. I had my surgery done by Prof. Alexander Haese using the Da Vinci-System Robot (Keyhole Surgery). My surgery was over in two and a half hours and my recover time has been unbelievable. Prof. Haese is a lovely man who tells you straight as it is after the various tests are completed at the laborotory. I was very happy to find out I was given the all clear.

It is now four weeks since my operation, I am back at work and my control of going to the toilet is getting better by the day, it is remarkable.

I can only say to anyone thinking of surgery, I could not recommend Martini-Klinik high enough 10/10

Once again thank you for everything you acheived with myself,

Kind Regards

William S. (Billy)

After my diagnosis of prostate cancer in the Netherlands, I had to choose where the operation should be. Consider my experience with Value Based Health Care, I found the Martini-Klinik as one of the best performing clinics and excellent outcome indicators after a radicale prostatectomy. After some negotiation with my insurance company, I decided to choose for this clinic.

Therefore I made an appointment with Prof. Dr. Markus Graefen. During this pleasant consult I felt myself in very "good and experienced hands".

After a succesfull operation with the DaVinci Robot, I recovered at the clinic for a week.

During the recovery I felt myself extreme well looked after by a staff of nice, warm nurses, doctors ans catering personal.

The communication between the staff and Prof. Graefen was precise and professional.

After four weeks I'm already working and my recovery is still in positive progress.

I recommend this clinic for the excellent care, top experienced based team and their warm and compassionate support.

When I was diagnosed with an aggressive prostate cancer and began researching the pros and cons of a prostatectomy and where I might best undertake treatment, the Martini-Klinik guestbook, and the English language entries there were of great comfort to me.

Having had a prostatectomy on November 8, 2017 under the wonderful care of Prof Dr Graefen of the Martini-Klinik, I am sharing my very positive experience at the Martini-Klinik with the hope that this might help others who are members of a club that no one wants to join.

As a resident of Hong Kong, and as a part-time resident in London and in Italy, near Switzerland, I had a number of choices regarding treatment. I am also a Canadian with many contacts in the U.S. and with insurance coverage that allowed me to choose where to be treated, including at well-known cancer centers in the U.S., such as Sloan-Kettering, MD Anderson, Stanford and others.

My journey with prostate cancer began when my Swiss family doctor referred me to a Swiss urologist following a spike in the level of my PSA. My Swiss urologist, himself a prostate surgeon, suggested a specialized MRI, which I undertook in Switzerland. Based on the results, I had hoped to be eligible for a more benign approach than a prostatectomy, and based on research had decided to see the dean of the UCL medical school in London, a well-known and excellent urologist with a concentration on HIFU, high intensity focused ultrasound. But just in case, I asked my Swiss urologist where, in his view, the very best in the world for prostate surgery could be found. While himself a surgeon, he steered me to the Martini-Klinik, of which I had not heard at that point.

I travelled to London, had a template guided biopsy, and received outstanding care in London. However, the biopsy showed that my cancer was beyond what HIFU could safely address, and having a prostatectomy was now the necessary treatment. While the dean of the UCL medical school referred me to an excellent high-volume surgeon in London, a colleague of his, I asked about the Martini-Klinik, and was told yet again that it was the very best. While the dean of UCL’s medical school mentioned Prof Dr Graefen to me as an outstanding surgeon, he told me that any of the surgeons at the Martini-Klinik are at the top of their game, and that I could not go wrong with any of them. I saw the surgeon recommended in London, and even he confirmed the positive view of the Martini-Klinik and of Prof Dr Graefen and his colleagues.

Meanwhile I mentioned my condition to two friends – one a German resident in Hong Kong who had been treated for other urological issues in Bremen, and another whose family own several top cancer hospitals in the United States. My German friend contacted his urologist in Bremen who recommended the Martini-Klinik without reservation, again mentioning Prof Dr Graefen and Prof Dr Huland, who I understand was the founder of the Martini-Klinik. But again, his view was that any surgeon from the Martini-Klinik would be the right one. And the friend whose family owns cancer hospitals in the U.S. immediately told me that the Martini-Klinik was not only of outstanding reputation, but highly respected by peers for its approach, outcomes, and dedication to publishing results and contributing to cancer research. I was also introduced to the head of oncology of the U.S. facilities involved, and he too told me that the Martini-Klinik was the place to go.

All positive, I decided on the Martini-Klinik, but then faced a roadblock. While I was able to obtain a virtually immediate date for surgery in London, I could not even get an appointment to see a doctor at the Martini-Klinik given how busy they were. With tears in my eyes I asked my initial contact from the Martini-Klinik for an earlier appointment, and was firmly told that I had to wait my turn.

Luckily, I was ultimately able to get an earlier appointment with Prof Dr Graefen. This first meeting made it totally clear that the Martini-Klinik was where I needed to be treated. Prof Dr Graefen was kind, patient, gave me all the time I needed for our meeting attended by me, my wife and one of my sons. We all felt that this was absolutely the right choice of treatment center and doctor BUT again schedules were the issue as the Martini-Klinik was unable to schedule my surgery for at least three months from my first contact, requiring me to go on hormone therapy given the delay. Meanwhile, I had the option of an excellent surgeon in London ready to go. But after having met Prof Dr Graefen, the decision was an easy one: I would wait for the Martini-Klinik. And ultimately an opening in their surgery schedule came up, and I was operated on just one month later than I would have been had I opted for treatment in London.

My experience at the Martini-Klinik and of the care of Prof Dr Graefen and of each and every member of the Martini-Klinik team, from the person cleaning my spacious and private room, to the nurses and catering staff, was wonderful. My already high expectations were exceeded in every respect. As a professional myself (a lawyer with close to 30 years in one of the largest law firms in the world) my respect for the Martini-Klinik and of German medical care is huge. This is not a practice of an individual doctor, or a practice that, like in the U.S. or Hong Kong, is too often more about money than about medical excellence. Prof Dr Graefen and his colleagues are true doctors – with a passion and focus on knowledge and understanding, the importance of surgical skill based on high volume practice and on research and contribution to the sad reality of how common prostate cancer is.

This excellence at the top filters down, at the Martini-Klinik, to each and every member of staff, all of whom are focused on prostate patients. Unlike a typical hospital, at the Martini-Klinik, all the patients are going through the same thing. This makes a difference. A big difference. And unlike the U.S., Hong Kong or London, instead of being sent home two days after surgery wearing a catheter, at the Martini-Klinik, you are under their care until one full day after the catheter removal, at least in most cases, and as was my case. This is an important and caring difference.

I likely have further to go in my treatment given my pathology, but my experience with the prostatectomy and the Martini-Klinik was outstanding. I was fortunate to enjoy virtually full continence as of the day my catheter was removed. I am now two weeks from my surgery, and I am recovering day-by-day. It was not fun, and there are no martinis served at the Martini-Klinik, but I would recommend the clinic to anyone needing prostate care, and this without any reservation whatsoever.

And for family staying close by, and for a place to stay for recovery for a few days after discharge from the Martini Klinik, the Dorint is the best choice. We checked out of the unfriendly and inconvenient das Smolka…a much further walk from the clinic, and unsuitable for those who cannot pick up suitcases and navigate stairs.

My thanks to Prof Dr Graefen for his care, to Prof Dr Huland for his vision in establishing the Martini-Klinik, and to the entire Martini-Klinik team who should be proud of what they do and achieve, and of German healthcare in general.

Philip M.