Guestbook

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.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for my stay at Martini-Klink from 7th June to 14th June. I feel a great privilege that I could have my treatment there, and I am sincerely convinced that it was the right choice. In particular I would like to thank Prof. Haese who conducted the surgery, the anaesthesiologist (who’s name I have forgotten), the surgical team, doctors, nurses and service personnel I met during may stay, who all in true passion to their profession made the stay to a good experience, despite the serious reason I was there.

I am now back home in the very north of Norway. The travel home vent well. I am feeling fine, and now I must be patient in order to have a good recovery.

Best regards,

Jan O.

Following an MRI-based biopsy carried out at the Martini Clinic in June 2016, I was diagnosed with a prostate carcinoma. After extensive consultations with the doctors, who offered me the alternatives of radiation therapy (“seeds”) or an operation, I decided on so-called “open surgery”.

Dr. Budäus carried out the operation on the 8. September, whereby I was lucky, and it was possible to spare the nerves. The tumor was confined to the prostate and the lymph nodes and other tissue were tumor-free. During the following five days of my stay, the care of the doctors, nurses, and catering and service personnel was perfect and touching. The very humane contact with the patients and the very pleasant cooperation among the Martini Clinic staff created an atmosphere that benefited my good recovery. For this, I again express my warmest thanks to all the staff, especially to Dr. Budäus and his “golden hands”.

I had to wear the catheter at home for another 10 days before it was removed after a sonography, also at the Martini Clinic. Luckily my incontinence is not severe, as I can hold my urine well.

A week after the catheter was removed I went for three weeks rehab at the Klinik Nordfriesland in St. Peter-Ording.

Just as I would recommend the Martini Clinic for surgery, I can also only recommend rehab at SPO, as the care of patients, as well as the treatments and therapy, are perfectly individualized and everything is done to further the recovery and regeneration process.

Dear Prof. Huland,

on the 26. May 2016, you performed my operation; beforehand you promised me that in September I would be able to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda. This promise was fulfilled and I would like to thank you, personally, very much. But first things first.

Following the operation, I survived the rehab in Badenweiler, whereby “survive” is a carefully chosen word. When I was discharged from the Martini Clinic I was already continent and quite healthy, and I found the treatments and the talks during the rehab pleasant, helpful, as well as supportive. What I found strenuous was the collective encounter of about 150 dangerously ill people. This was quite a burden on me, more than the varying side-effects of the healing process that you had predicted. But this period also ended and I have finally left it behind me.

I started working again as soon as I finished the rehab, and at same time I started a gentle physical hiking training for my Uganda trip. Before I left for Uganda, my doctor, Prof. Ikinger, said that we should check the PSA value so that I would feel safe. At the end of September my PSA was 0.02. The next measurement will be done at the end of the year. Apart from a slightly nervous bladder, which is a part of the inner healing process, as my doctor assured me, I have no complaints, need no medication and everything is functioning well.

As you can see, it was the right decision to undergo the surgery and to have you perform the operation.

I would like to once again express my heartfelt thanks to you, to your team, and especially to Dr. von Breunig.

Many greetings from Stuttgart

Yours

Bernd K

A diagnosis of prostate cancer is devastating to anyone. It presented me with a psychological hurdle to know that I would enter the clinic feeling like a healthy person, at the same time knowing that on leaving the clinic everything would have changed. And what lay beyond that was still unknown …..

My week-long stay at the clinic, with the operation and follow-up treatment, was without complication. The operation and, above all, its unavoidable consequences, were of course difficult. Altogether, however, the problems were not too severe, and due to the medication I didn’t actually experience any pain. The nursing team was available at all times, and their professional work gave me the certainty that things would get better. During my stay, I increasingly realized that I was being well looked after.

Finally, my warmest thanks go to the surgical team surrounding Dr. Salomon. It was, in particular, the consultation with Dr. Salomon prior to entering the clinic that made my decision to undergo classical open surgery easier. I have not regretted this decision, particularly as I did not notice any difference in the course of my recovery to that of other patients. In summary, I can say that my decision to go to the Martini Clinic was the right one.

Once again, sincere thanks from Eisenach/Thüringen.

Dear Professor Graefen, dear Professor Haese,

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent care I received at the Martini Clinic.

Of course, I firstly thank Prof. Haese for his surgical skills (operation on Monday, removal of the catheter on Friday!), but also for his authentic humane care and attention.

The professionalism one finds throughout the clinic creates a relaxed and calming atmosphere, which tremendously helps the healing process in patients suffering from a malignant disease, who are – as a rule – quite anxious. As I myself am a so-called “sensitizer” (i.e. someone who often has to deal with stimuli associated with threatening situations, who gives them his full attention and occupies himself intensively with them), I can confirm this not only from a professional psychological perspective but also from the point of view of someone personally affected.

This is added to by the empathic friendliness and constant helpfulness of all the staff.

I am impressed and I will pass these impressions on to my colleagues (to whom it is of great interest).

All in all: superb treatment and care, to be unreservedly recommended!

Praise, gratitude and recognition to this wonderful clinic.

In May, 2015, I (63 yrs) underwent a prostate biopsy, the results of which showed an adenocarcinoma with a Gleaseon score of 3 and 4 (Gleason 4 percentage 4.7%) in 3 of the 15 samples. My urologist recommended a “wait and see” strategy. This was very tempting: no risky operation, no side effects (incontinence and impotence).

But I soon realized that a ticking time bomb, which might be defused too late, is not really the right life survival philosophy.

At the beginning of May 2016, I decided to have the operation. During my research on the internet I came across the Martini Clinic in Hamburg-Eppendorf. Already during my first detailed and empathic consultation about the operation, the various methods and possible risks, I felt I was in good hands and well-informed (as did my wife). Afterwards, it was clear to me that I had to have the cancerous prostate removed by radical prostatectomy.

Dr. Michl performed my operation on the 20.6.2016, without complications, with little loss of blood, above all, nerve-sparing, and with a discreet abdominal longitudinal incision. Incidentally, Dr. Michl’s “trademark” is recognized by all the doctors at the Rehab Clinic in St. Peter-Ording.

Many thanks to, and praise and sincerest recognition for Dr. Michl, who was responsible for my care before and after the operation.

This also applies, without reservation, to the friendly, competent, and obliging nursing and service personnel.

Six days after the operation and another 8 days, I had the catheter removed at the Martini Clinic as an outpatient. Everything also went smoothly; it was done very caringly and without pain.

I had, and still have, slight stress incontinence; the “other” is OK, only dry, however (he and she have to get used to it); the rigidity is being worked on☺.

Once again, my gratitude, praise and recognition for everyone, from the reception to the nursing and service personnel, to Dr. Michl, and the surgical staff. I can only recommend, without any reservation, that anyone facing prostate surgery entrust themselves to the Martini Clinic. 10 points from me!

From the initial contact up until my discharge I was cared for by a very friendly and absolutely competent team; this immediately created an atmosphere of trust.

Many thanks to the whole team.

On the 20.05.2016, I was operated on by Dr. Michl using the da Vinci method. The nerves were spared on both sides. There were no complications during the operation. The pain after the operation was negligible and I only needed the pain killers supplied for 2 days. Now, 3 months later, the PSA value is below the detection limit. I hope that my problems are now solved.

I would like to emphasize that I only had to wait 4 weeks.

Dr. Michl, once again, my sincere thanks! I would also like to thank the nursing personnel on Ward 1 under the supervision of Mrs. Köster.

I would first like to thank the whole team at the Martini-Klinik. The medical performance and nursing care is, with no ifs and buts, first class. Over a period of days, one has the feeling that one can do no wrong as a patient. Very relaxing and important in the state that one finds oneself in. The accommodation in a 2-bed room contrasts distinctly with other clinics. Having one’s own bathroom and toilet is very important for any patient after a urological intervention. It also seemed logical that at the Martini-Klinik, one is mobilized very quickly after surgery, to avoid the risk of thrombosis, and can leave the clinic with a catheter after 5 to 6 days. In my case, the journey home to Kassel 5 days after the operation, about 4 hours, was too much for me, just as were the 14 days I spent at home before going to rehab, during which I constantly had the advice of the senior physician of the Martini-Klinik in mind, advising me to remain mobile. There were complications in the healing process, which now, 10 weeks after the operation, I have overcome. If I were to have another operation, I would check in to a hotel in Eppendorf and have the catheter removed at the Martini-Klinik before setting out on a relaxed journey home. Unfortunately, I was not made aware of this helpful possibility.

Once again, thank you and best regards.

Knut Conrad

Five years ago, my urologist diagnosed me with prostate cancer (PSA value 4.2 before the operation and a Gleasen Score of 6/7).

On the recommendation of my urologist I chose the Martini-Klinic in Hamburg for treatment. I have never regretted this decision. During my stay at the clinic I felt I was treated absolutely professionally. My surgeon, Prof. Graefen, was always ready to listen and answer my questions, and the care on the ward left nothing to be desired.

Before my operation, I often gathered information about the experiences of other patients from the Martini-Klinic guest book. These contributions always gave me courage. To this day, I well remember a particular entry made by a patient. The former patient describes how, five years after the operation, with a PSA value below the detection limit, he made an appointment for a check-up, went to Hamburg with his wife, drank a coffee in the reception area at the Martini-Klinic, and the matter was then resolved for him. This was always my aim after my operation in 2011. Last week I went through the same procedure with my wife and achieved my first aim. I hope there will be further symptom-free years, and I can only recommend that anyone similarly affected choose the Martini-Klinic. Once again, my special thanks go to Prof. Graefen for the excellent operation and treatment.

At the beginning, the diagnosis that causes fear and apprehension. Then one arrives at the Martini Clinic and feels supported, understood and is treated with top quality medical care.

The crucial aspect: the employees of the Martini Clinc did not treat me primarily as a sick patient or as a “medical case”, but as a person with his own individual background. At the Martini Clinic one feels like a welcome guest. Every employee at the clinic has a “client-oriented” attitude. From the first contact by telephone, at the reception on admission, to the consultations with the doctors, the surgical team, the nursing, catering or cleaning staff. Everything is highly professionally organized, the procedures are well thought through and planned, and all tasks are carried out to perfection.

At all levels, I was treated transparently and communicated with as an equal while I was a “guest” at the Martini Clinic. Reliability in every circumstance is the special feature of the Clinic. This strengthens my belief that I have placed myself in the right hands.

Today, four and a half months after my operation (open surgery), performed by Dr. Salomon (neurosafe-based, nerve-sparing on both sides), I am very well.

Even though my lab results were alarming before the operation: Gleason score 3+4, PSA value: 63. Although the adenocarcinoma had proliferated outside the prostate capsule and there was tumor contact with the border of the surgical resection in 8 blocks, I can only sincerely thank Dr. Salomon and his “gifted hands” for the operation that saved my life. He ensured that neither the urethral sphincter muscle nor the nerves that influence continence and potency were impaired.

In this clinic there are only Ronaldos or Messis as surgeons (to draw a comparison in the language of football).

The nurses and carers also give their very best, and they stand out because of their competence, helpfulness and friendliness.

I can highly recommend the Martini Clinic.

My PSA value is now below the detection limit: < 0.01

Thanks for your fantastic work.

A good six months after my operation in December 2015 only a few fading scars remind me of the operation carried out by Prof. Dr. Heinzer using the da Vinci, robot-assisted, radical prostatectomy. This operation, from my perspective as a patient, is an exemplary success story in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Some of my personal impressions:

1. After the tumor was confirmed by my urologist, when she received the results of the biopsy, and with the diagnosis from the clinic (C61,pT2c,Gl. 3+4, pN0, R0, L0, V0), the carefully, clearly structured Martini Clinic website, containing easily understandable information, even for a lay person, was an important anchor for me when I was occupied by the highly emotion burden of the diagnosis “prostate cancer”.

The various therapy methods presented, the surgical techniques, the presentation of the operative procedures (video), results, etc. calmed me down greatly and made me feel optimistic.

2. The personal treatment I received from all those involved in my stay at the hospital (doctors, nurses and carers, etc.) is marked by their great attentiveness to the patients - from the minute one enters the hospital up until discharge one is consistently treated in a friendly and caring way.

3. The very successful, nerve-sparing da Vinci System method used by Prof. Dr. Heinzer, helped me:

- no surgical pain, no after-effects from the anesthetic

- after a few days I was already moving about, in and around the hospital grounds

- after 6 weeks I was completely continent (the exercises for the pelvic floor were very helpful!)

- after 2 months I could do sport regularly (e.g. bike racing training)

- after 6 monthsI had hardly any erectile dysfunction.

4. Up till now, the aftercare at my urologists has shown no concerning PSA values.

In conclusion: The Martini Clinic is an institution that can be recommended to prostate patients, without reservation.

Thank you!

Two weeks after my discharge from the Martini-Klinik, I would like to share the good experiences I had there.

The operation, performed by Dr. Salomon using the “da Vinci System”, was without complication, for which I express my sincere thanks!

I only had slight pain on the first two days, and was able to reduce and then completely stop the painkillers during the following days. It was also encouraging that on the first day after the operation I was able to get out of bed, with just a little help from the nurse. I was actually surprised at how quickly I recovered in the next days. I was able to go home on the 5th day, after the catheter had been removed and the doctors had given their OK.

Altogether, I was very satisfied with the treatment at the Martini-Klinik, the competent and friendly care given by the doctors and nurses, and I can recommend this Clinic without hesitation.

Thank you very much

Hallo dear Martini Team,

it is now three weeks since the 30.05.16, when I was - successfully - operated on. I would again like to say thank you to all the doctors and nurses (my special thanks at this point to Prof. Dr. Schlomm – you did a wonderful job!!!) for the competent treatment. In my case, to all on Wards 3 + 4. The consistently helpful and attentive manner will also stay in my memory.

Peter Kunstic wishes you all the best, and great strength and health to continue with your work.

I had my operation on the 18. April 2016, two months ago now, after having had my attention drawn to the Martini Clinic by a Swiss doctor at a clinic. According to my doctor, Prof. M. Graefen, the surgery was unproblematic, and this proved to be the case. Six days later the catheter was removed, and I have recovered rapidly since then. Each day, the scar serves as a reminder, but otherwise I am very well. I would like to thank all the doctors and nurses who operated on and cared for us patients, day in, day out. To all those who are “only” doing their job; but for the patient it is much more than just a job. Thank you!!

On the 14. April, Prof. Dr. Heinzer performed a nerve-sparing operation on me using the Da Vinci method. The operation went very well. Immediately afterwards, Prof. Dr. Heinzer informed my wife about the course of the operation. I owe my sincere gratitude to the whole team on Ward 3. I not only felt that I was medically in good hands. The personal attention definitely led to my rapid recovery. I thank the doctors, nurses and service personnel. The radiation therapy, necessary to avoid a recurrence, has in the meantime commenced. I regained continence a few days after discharge. The advice from Mrs. Wittneben to go for follow-up treatment was right on target. At the “Klinik am Kurpark” in Bad Wildungen I was prepared tor the radiation therapy in an intensive and committed manner. I look forward to completion of the radiation therapy with great confidence. I can thoroughly, and definitely will, recommend the Martini Clinic without reservation, should the topic come up. Please continue the good work.

I was admitted to Ward 4 of your clinic on the 26.04.2016 and was operated on the next day by Prof. Dr. Chun.

From the first contact on the telephone, and during the time that followed, I felt very well taken care of. “Take time for the patients” is a concept that is put fully into practice at your clinic.

The professionalism, friendliness and care of the whole team, including Prof. Dr. Chun, was unique, lessening my worries and fears.

Today, 8 weeks after the operation and the aftercare in Durbach, I am very glad that I put myself in your hands.

My sincere thanks to the whole team on Ward 4, to Mrs Klooss and Mrs Lichtenberg from the consulting hour, as well as to Prof. Dr. Chun, for the kind and professional admittance, surgery and care.