Guestbook

After the biopsy, which took place in September 2015, and its result, cancer of the prostate, I decided to undergo open surgery; this I definitely wanted to be carried out at the Martini Clinic.

After the operation on the 12.11.2015, I was already discharged, without any complaints, by the 17.11.15. My special thanks go to Professor Dr. Tilki and her team for their excellent work, and also to the whole team on Ward 4 for their good care.

At the moment I am undergoing follow-up treatment, which I can only recommend to anyone who has had surgery. My continence improves daily!

Many greetings from Hessen.

It took a good four months before I finally made the decision to go to the Martini Clinic.

The Berlin Charité did not offer the possibility of a “seed implantation”, the surgery I finally underwent. The Berlin urologists only said that the prostate had to be removed as quickly as possible, alternative methods were, unfortunately, not mentioned. I could therefore only get help on the internet, searching for alternative methods and the clinics offering them. Exchanging information with “fellow sufferers” was very important!

I am 64 years-old, I didn’t experience the urge to urinate at night and had no other complaints. My PSA values were 4.7 to 9.1 within about 2.5 years. The tumor was finally confirmed by biopsy and MRI. A Gleason of 3+3 and a prostate of 53 ccm were crucial factors prompting the decision to operate.

There were no problems during the operation: Tuesday admission, Wednesday OP, Thursday discharge. The operation, during which 85 radioactive seeds were implanted, lasted three hours; I had no complaints afterwards, no pain, and I was amazed. Still, after five weeks, urinating takes a little longer, as the prostate is still swollen.

Altogether, I am completely satisfied. The team at the clinic, the doctor responsible and the nursing personnel, are all super, one feels at ease at the clinic, particularly as the rooms don’t resemble rooms at a hospital (I am a private patient).

I can only recommend: inform yourself and definitely get a second opinion, and men: do not wait too long to go to your local urologist for an examination.

After being diagnosed with prostate cancer (68 years old, T1c – 2 tumors, Gl. 3+3, PSA 8,9; HIFU and IRE were not possible!) and after thorough research on the internet, for me there was only one clinic in which I would be prepared to undergo a radical prostatectomy: the Martini Clinic.

The operation took place on the 14.08.2015, and thanks to the excellent work of Dr. Michl and his colleagues (open operation, transverse incision), everything went well. The Martini Clinic team is unrivalled. My thanks to everyone there! My continence has also improved since the postoperative follow-up treatment in September. To my great joy, the PSA values on the 15.10.2015 were low at 0.01, so that a suspected tumor in the 9th rib, seen in the scintigram, was not confirmed!!!

Once again, many thanks and keep up the good work

In short, my case history: 58 years old, PSA twice >5.5, Gleason 6 of 12 biopsies positive, once 3+3, five times 3+4. After receiving much divergent information within the space of just three months, alternating between radiation therapy and prostatectomy, and not having received, as an informed patient, any hard and fast recommendation – until my attention was called to the Martini Clinic. During the first consultation with PD Dr. Budäus, my case history and data were evaluated and the recommendation was clear: in view of my age, and bearing in mind the option of a possible radiation therapy, which might be necessary, the doctor decided on a prostatectomy. I had the choice between open surgery and a da Vinci operation, and I decided on the latter. I felt that I was taken seriously as an “informed patient” and that the advice was competent. Date of operation: 8.10.2015.

The operation took place 8 days ago, the catheter will be removed on Monday and I already feel quite well. Better than expected. This was due to PD Dr. Budäus, the assistant doctor, and to each individual member of the excellent nursing staff on Ward 4. I have never previously experienced hospital nursing personnel who take so much time for each patient, and who always react to individual problems and worries and find solutions in a friendly and patient manner. The discussions with the psychologist were also good. As far as it is possible in such circumstances, I must say that I felt comfortable.

I expressly recommend the Martini Clinic.

Dear Professor Huland, dear Professor Heinzer, dear Martini Clinic Team,

today I received your letter to former patients, detailing the advances made in treatment methods and thanking us for taking part in the surgical follow-up program with regard to treatment results.

I can only return my thanks. You performed the operation in June 2012; after 7 days and a short period of recuperation I was free from any symptoms. I had got rid of the cancer and today I am still healthy. No cancer, fully continent and potent. The results of your work were already noticeable in 2012, and I am, of course, delighted about my continued progress. This gives me sufficient reason to say this publicly, to encourage all men facing such a decision. I would definitely make the same decision as in 2012; to this day, I have not regretted it.

My best regards

Th.Glawe

After the results of the biopsy, I was operated on by Dr. Salomon on the 07.09.2015. The care provided by the complete Martini Clinic team was unparalleled and definitely helped towards the healing process. Everything, the preliminary consultations and the preoperative information, as well as the answers to my questions, helped to take away the fear that I and my wife had prior to the operation, which went very well. I would once again like to thank the whole team for the wonderful care, and I am happy that my orthopedic doctor referred me to the Martini Clinic.

Peter B.

My stay at the clinic from 06.09. until the 14.09.15 was positive, in every way. Everything was very well organized, from start to finish. At this point, my sincere thanks go to all on Ward 4, and in particular to Professor Steuber, whose operation on me was very successful. Making a donation and lending other support is a matter of course for me. I send the whole team my best wishes and would like to encourage others to choose the Martini Clinic.

Manfred T.

This attribute may be attested to the Martini Clinic, when one had no option but to deliver oneself into the competent hands of the whole Clinic team.

In July 2015, I received the diagnosis "prostate cancer" and was, at first – like all men in this situation – shocked, not very well informed on the subject, and distraught about the unclear extent and consequences of this diagnosis. Then I did a lot of things right. With the diagnosis from my urologist and the recommendation for a “punch” biopsy, I immediately contacted the Martini Clinic and received competent, and for ”non-medics” understandable, explanations of the necessary programs, radical retropubic prostatectomy, the results pT3b, pN0, pL0, pV0 and Gleason 3+4, all the steps of consultation, preparation for the operation, the operation itself – at this point my special thanks go to Professor Dr. Tilki for the very time-consuming and strenuous operation, the wonderful aftercare that was accompanied by sympathetic explanations, and for being available almost all the time – as well as outpatient care. The whole of the Martini Clinic works round the clock as a team and provides appreciable and apparent individual patient-oriented care, down to the last detail! This gives the feeling of being treated individually and places the focus on the human being. Therefore, I would like to say a very special “thank you” to all faculties of the team, and for their help in undergoing this not so pleasant experience in a bearable way. Following the operation on the 12.08.2015 and the outpatient aftercare, I am now at home, unfortunately not as continent as I would have wished. The recommended radiation therapy three months after surgery is still to come, and the there is the uneasy question of what lies before; it remains for me to learn to deal with this positively. Mr. Bosbach is a perfect example. Hence, ... sincere thanks again to all at the clinic and those outside who have looked after me, and have also done so in the past; and great thanks to my wife and family who at all times understandingly stood by me during this phase of my life.

ID

On the 17.08.2015, I was operated on by Dr. Michl, using the da Vinci method.

In the meantime, the postoperative treatment has finished and I am slowly returning to my everyday routine.

I must say that immediately after the catheter was removed, my bladder was able to retain urine very well.

The competent preparation and supervision of the doctors, and the very successful surgery carried out by Dr. Michl (many thanks!), as well as the professional expertise, good advice and empathic care of the nursing personnel convinced me that I made the right choice when I decided on the Martini Clinic.

I would like to take this opportunity of expressing my sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses, as well as to the service and administrative personnel, for the professional and personal treatment I received at the Martini Clinic.

My special thanks go to Professor Haese for the successful operation. I am overjoyed that I have experienced no noteworthy impairment of continence since the prostatectomy using the da Vinci surgical system.

On the 14.09.2015, I was operated on by Professor Schlomm, using the da Vinci method.

All I can say is: PERFECT, no pain, everything is fine!!!!

The whole of the healthcare team should also not go unmentioned; the very positive impression left by the Martini Clinic also includes them.

Once again, many thanks!

Surprised, from the diagnosis to the unavoidable operation. Because I hadn’t regularly had my PSA levels checked, and they exceeded the norm. Two diverse recommendations regarding the surgical method led me to the Martini Clinic in Hamburg. Curious, I immediately began reading the Clinic’s website. After thorough study of the information provided, my trust greatly increased. This was also due to the positive appraisals on the web site guest book. I called the clinic and requested an appointment in order to explain my decision and describe my problem. During the first introductory discussion with Dr. Salomon my faith in this very experienced surgeon and the clinic grew, all the moreso, since the clinic’s good reputation has travelled well beyond the borders of the FRG. Henceforth, Dr. Salomon’s very positive and optimistic attitude transferred itself to me during my short stay at the clinic. I am after all, already almost 73 years old. I therefore hope that, due to my good physical condition, I still have some successful and good years ahead of me. My prostate was completely removed on the 10.09.2015, using the da Vinci method. I was already discharged the following Thursday, without a catheter. To me, dear Dr. Salomon, it is almost like a painless miracle. I have now been running around like a weasel, albeit only half continent, but happy and confident. THANK YOU, also for having the opportunity to get to know all the many helpful and very nice people at the clinic and for their support. But, as a stone mason and stone sculptor, I could not help noticing the many small works of art on the UKE campus. The dolomite relief at the back entrance to the Martini Clinic could do with more attention and care.

I wish you every success and offer my sincere thanks.

Being diagnosed with „cancer“ is always a shock, even if nowadays one in every three people will be affected sooner or later in their lives. But of course, one always begins counting with oneself …. As fate would have it, I was number three and had to go under the knife. Even routine operations are no stroll in the park, and they comprise an array of risks and dangers, beginning with the anesthetic, followed by skill of the surgeon (or lack of it), and topped off, above all, by something that can affect the patient during after-care: “hospital germs”.

All this is enough to cause trembling knees and a faint panic, even prior to admission. HOWEVER: I had the incredible luck to land up in the excellent, and in all respects wonderful Martini Clinic; from start to finish I received top-class advice, care and treatment. Trembling knees? Panic? These feelings disappeared the moment I entered the clinic. I was looked after and treated like a long-lost family member. The nurses and the medical personnel are the personification of unmatched friendliness and perfection. I felt well cared for, excellently informed, and I was never left alone with my fear and pain for even a second, regardless of who was looking after me.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those concerned; the doctors, the nurses, and the service personnel who are responsible for cleanliness and creature comforts.

I will most certainly warmly recommend the clinic to my friends and acquaintances, should they ever need treatment. Why opt for less than the best when one’s health is at stake? Precisely.

In July 2015, I was a patient on Ward 4 at the Martini Clinic. I would like to express my thanks for the very good medical and personal care and take this opportunity of passing on very positive feedback regarding my stay at the clinic.

Right from the beginning, during my preliminary visit and first medical briefing, I was advised in a very friendly and competent manner. The atmosphere and the calmness and composure of the staff prevent the patient from becoming nervous.

Prior to my admission, I found very comprehensive information about cancer on the website of the Martini Clinic, as well as information on the various surgical methods, and a detailed account of the what would happen during my stay at the clinic. I have never experienced anything quite like this before! I knew exactly what to expect and arrived at the clinic completely relaxed.

On the day I was admitted, I immediately felt good and appreciated the all-round care. Also, during the days that followed, the friendly, encouraging, and sometimes amusing manner of the staff, contributed to my well-being. It couldn’t have been better!

My thanks to Professor Steuber for the successful operation and for the expert information given during the surgeons’ rounds. In contrast with the image of the “Gods in white” (surrounded during rounds by their horde of staff), Professor Steuber addresses his patients directly and engages with them in a very personal way. That was marvellous!

I also found other very positive factors: the good food and the possibility of communicating directly from one’s bed.

Although I had hoped to have my catheter removed before being discharged, in the end I was happy that this took place some days later, as I would otherwise have felt a little insecure on the train journey home, which took several hours.

I am very grateful that my cancer was diagnosed early enough; the successful operation has probably given me a few more years of life as a present. Since then I have gone into the subject of cancer in great detail and have, in the meantime, made financial contributions to research done at the Martini Clinic and by German Cancer Aid. I plan to continue to do so.

I am very happy to recommend the Martini Clinic!

My operation was on the 06.08.2015; it was carried out by Dr. Steuber, using the DaVinci surgical system. I would like to express my great thanks to him for his excellent work and to the Martini Clinic team, and for the marvellous accommodation.

When I was admitted to the clinic, I had a diagnosis of prostate carcinoma Gleason score 4 + 3

Gleason 3 volume fraction 27%

Tertiary Gleason 5 2.9%

PSA 7.6

The catheter had already been removed before I left the clinic, and I was by and large continent.

Unfortunately, the histological examination following the operation showed a minor invasion of the lymph nodes, so that after 3 months an adjuvant radiant therapy was recommended.

Although my operation took place over three weeks ago, in my opinion it is never too late to pass on positive feedback.

It was naturally a shock when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Anyone in a similar position knows the feeling and the many questions that suddenly arise, the main ones being: How can I fight this illness? Which is the right method of treatment? After evaluating some of the possible treatments, I decided, despite the risk of impairment or loss of potency, to have surgery. At this point, I would to express my warmest thanks to Dr. med. Knbloch from Leinefelde, as my choice of the Martini Clinic at the UKE was largely due to her.

I was operated on by Prof. Steuber on the 04.08.2015. Everything went according to plan, even if the position of the tumor only allowed the preservation of half of the nerves responsible for potency. Professor Steuber, the anesthetists, and the whole of the OP team, thank you for your excellent work. From the first moment I complete trusted the team, and was therefore not afraid, for even a second, of what lay ahead of me.

I can hardly describe the competence, calm and care with which patients, whether privately or publicly insured, are looked after at the Martini Clinic,thus ensuring that their stay is as pleasant as possible. This also applies to Dr. Schmitz, the ward physician, who always lent me her ear.

A great thank you to all at the Martini Clinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. I can only highly recommend this clinic!

My highest praise goes to the complete Martini Clinic Team – the doctors, the nurses, the service personnel – for their highly competent and comprehensive explanations, advice, support, reliability and punctuality, the professional care, organization and perfect service. My special thanks go to Dr. Salomon and the anesthesia team for the very successful operation. For my part, I give the clinic my whole-hearted recommendation.

After 8 days in the Martini-Klinik fpr prostate surgery I am in a strong position to confirm the well deserved worldwide reputation of this institution.

From the highly skilled and very experienced professionel team who undertook the prostate surgeries, to the professional docs and nurses who would patiently explain and answer any question with much care, to the cleaning and kitchen staff who, apart from their thoroughness, will always welcome you with a smile, to the medical details all throughout the day and night, if needed, to ensure the patient's comfort and safety, all adds up to make this one of the best prostate cancer hospitals in the world.

Already the first day at the Martini-Klinik me and my wife felt that we were good taken care of. Very good information about the operation what could occur during the operation and what the follow-up consisted of after the operation. All your staff were friendly and professional at all times. Very happy to have received lab tests so early after the operation. At times I felt that the nursing staff were a bit short of staff but they still managed to help/assist me with a smile. That is very impressing.

Jeg vil anbefale menn som får prostatakreft til å reise til Martini-Klinikken i Hamburg for operasjon. Der finnes ekspertise og utstyr som ikke alle har. Ikke minst blir det færre bivirkninger p.g.a. at de har fryseteknikken. Jeg er veldig glad for at jeg ble operert der. Topp service i alle ledd.