Urological Oncology, Neuss (North Rhine-Westphalia): PD Dr Robert Rabenalt

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PD Dr Robert Rabenalt is a medical specialist for urology and head physician of the clinic for urology at Lukaskrankenhaus of the Neuss Rheinland Klinikum.

The highly specialized team led by PD Dr Rabenalt treats all diseases of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, urethra, and male genitals. Thanks to his many years of experience in robot-assisted surgery, Dr Rabenalt uses this technology primarily in the field of urological oncology, which means for treating tumors of the bladder, kidneys, and prostate, but also for benign tumors.

Robot-Assisted Treatment of Prostate Cancer in Neuss

Depending on the stage of the tumor and the patient’s situation, various treatment strategies may be considered for prostate cancer. At the clinic for urology at the Lukaskrankenhaus, modern diagnostic services are just as much a part of the range of services as surgical treatment. To specifically evaluate changes in the prostate, the clinic offers, among others, fusion biopsy, which combines MRI images with ultrasound diagnostics.

One key treatment option is the radical removal of the prostate. In the vast majority of cases, this surgery can be carried out with robotic assistance. The surgeon controls the instruments via a console. The Da Vinci system used features a three-dimensional camera and finely controllable instruments that enable highly precise movements. PD Dr Rabenalt has many years of experience in robot-assisted surgery and uses this technique particularly for urological oncology procedures.

Nerve-sparing techniques designed to preserve sexual function may be used the surgical treatment of prostate cancer, depending on the patient’s situation. At the same time, the focus is on removing as much of the tumor tissue as possible. For advanced disease, the full range of drug treatments and therapeutic approaches for metastatic prostate cancer is also offered. Particular attention is paid to maintaining quality of life.

Treatment of Bladder Cancer at Neuss Lukaskrankenhaus 

Various surgical and medication-based treatment options are also available for bladder tumors. For non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor, those that have not yet invaded the muscle layer of the bladder, the tumor tissue can be removed through the urethra in a way that preserves the organ. This procedure involves, among others, transurethral resection using a tissue-sparing bipolar technique. However, depending on the extent and characteristics of the tumor, removal of the bladder may also be necessary.

In radical cystectomy, the subsequent urinary diversion is of particular importance. Various forms of urinary diversion are available for this purpose. These include, among others, the creation of a replacement bladder from the small intestine. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and individual circumstances, other procedures may be used. Nerve-sparing and potency-preserving surgical techniques may also be considered for suitable patients.

Bladder cancer is treated as part of the cancer center at Lukaskrankenhaus. Close collaboration among various medical specialties enables coordinated diagnosis and treatment planning. For advanced cases, drug-based cancer therapies are also available.

Long-Standing Experience in the Treatment of Kidney Cancer

The preservation of healthy kidney function is a key aspect of surgical treatment for kidney tumors. PD Dr Rabenalt and his team place a special emphasis on organ-preserving kidney tumor surgery. For suitable tumors, the tumor can be selectively removed while preserving as much healthy kidney tissue as possible.

Various surgical procedures may be considered, depending on the size, location, and extent of the tumor. These range from organ-preserving removal of the kidney tumor to radical removal of the kidney. The clinic’s proven range of services also includes complex procedures for tumors involving large blood vessels, and surgical removal of metastases.

In addition to surgical procedures, systemic medication-based therapies are also available for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. These include, among others, immunotherapies and targeted therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the specific tumor situation and the patient’s individual circumstances.

Cancer of the Male Reproductive Organs

In addition, PD Dr Rabenalt treats malignant tumors of the male reproductive organs. These include, in particular, malignant testicular tumors and tumors of the penis. For testicular tumors, surgical procedures designed to preserve fertility and sexual function may be used, depending on the individual situation.

The treatment of penile tumors also requires individualized planning due to the unique anatomical and functional characteristics of the area. The range of treatment options includes surgical procedures as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery. In cases of advanced disease, drug therapies may be used as supplementary treatment.

Personalized Treatment of Rare Urological Cancers

In addition to the more common urological cancers, PD Dr Rabenalt has specialized experience in the treatment of rare urological tumors. These include, among others, urachal carcinomas and rare forms of bladder cancer such as small-cell, squamous cell, and sarcomatoid carcinomas. Rare forms of prostate and kidney tumors, including neuroendocrine carcinomas of the prostate, papillary renal cell carcinomas, and ductus Bellini carcinomas, are also part of the treatment spectrum.

Individual diagnosis and treatment are particularly important because of the rarity and complexity of these diseases. Depending on the type of tumor and the stage of the disease, surgical and medical treatments are used.

Please, visit the website of the clinic for urology at Neuss Lukaskrankenhaus for more information