Gastroenterology Cologne (NRW): Prof. Dr Valentin Fuhrmann

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Prof. Dr Valentin Fuhrmann is a specialist in gastroenterology and head physician of the Clinic for Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology at Heilig-Geist-Krankenhaus in Cologne.

The department for gastroenterology covers the entire spectrum of diagnostics and therapy for gastrointestinal diseases and offers the best possible treatment using state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment. Prof. Fuhrmann's particular focus is on endoscopy for the evaluation and, if required, treatment of various areas of the digestive tract, bile ducts, and pancreas.

Experienced Gastroenterologist in Cologne: Your Specialist for Gastrointestinal Health

The clinic, headed by Prof. Dr Valentin Fuhrmann, offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic services for acute and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, bile ducts, and pancreas.

In addition to routine procedures such as gastroscopy and colonoscopy, Prof. Fuhrmann also uses innovative methods, including color endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), to provide additional diagnostic information. Prof. Fuhrmann also has extensive experience in carrying out examinations of the bile ducts and pancreatic ducts (ERCP).

Diagnostics are always carried out in accordance with the latest guidelines and cover the entire spectrum of gastroenterological diseases, from clarifying unclear upper abdominal complaints to structured tumor diagnostics. The aim is always to create a sound basis for individually tailored therapy concepts.

Gentle Diagnosis and Treatment of the Digestive Tract with High-End Endoscopy

One of Prof. Fuhrmann's main areas of focus is modern endoscopy, which elegantly combines diagnostic procedures with therapeutic interventions. The clinic uses high-resolution video endoscopes for gastroscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and colonoscopy.

Thanks to high-resolution endoscopes and modern additional procedures, such as chromatic endoscopy, even the slightest changes in the intestinal mucosa can be precisely identified. In this way, inflammatory processes, such as chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, or suspicious lesions with potential tumor development, can be detected at an early stage and classified immediately. Depending on the situation, targeted polyp removal (polypectomy) or removal of flat mucosal changes via mucosal resection can be performed immediately during the same procedure. Any bleeding can be stopped directly with a clip.

Mechanical constrictions in the digestive tract, such as those caused by tumors or inflammatory stenosis, can also be effectively dilated and kept open using bougienage or stent implantation.       

High-Resolution Sonography for Diagnosing Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreatic Diseases

High-resolution sonography is one of the key imaging techniques used in gastroenterological diagnostics at the Cologne Heilig-Geist-Krankenhaus. This gentle examination enables gastroenterology specialists in Cologne to detect diseases of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas at an early stage.

Color Doppler and contrast agent sonography enable precise visualization of blood vessels and the evaluation of inflammatory or tumorous changes. This non-invasive examination method provides essential information for planning treatment for fatty liver, cirrhosis, pancreatitis, or bile duct diseases. If necessary, a targeted ultrasound-guided puncture can also be carried out to take a biopsy for histological examination.

Endoscopic Therapy for Constrictions: Stent Implantation in the Intestinal and Biliary Systems

Modern endoscopic procedures are performed at the clinic for gastroenterology, headed by Prof. Dr Fuhrmann, to treat constrictions of the intestinal tract or bile ducts, for example, due to chronic inflammation or tumor diseases. Targeted stent implantation can be used to widen constrictions and restore the passageway gently.

This allows patients with bile duct stenosis, intestinal tumors, or constrictions resulting from postoperative complications to benefit from an improved quality of life quickly. The individual choice between self-expanding metal stents and plastic stents enables effective treatment without open surgery. Minimally invasive endoscopy offers maximum safety and significantly shortens recovery time.

Early Detection and Removal of Polyps

Early detection of polyps is an essential part of colorectal cancer screening. At the clinic for gastroenterology headed by Prof. Dr Fuhrmann, modern endoscopes with high-resolution imaging and staining techniques are used to visualize even the most minor changes in the intestinal mucosa. If polyps are discovered, they can usually be removed during the examination by polypectomy.

Since colorectal cancer develops slowly over many years from polyps, removing benign findings can prevent them from becoming malignant. At the same time, the procedure is gentle, safe, and significantly reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer later on. This effectively combines diagnosis and therapy in a single step.

Individual Care and Tailored Therapy for Chronic Gastrointestinal Diseases

Individually tailored treatment is crucial for quality of life and long-term prognosis in chronic gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, or chronic gastritis.

Prof. Dr Fuhrmann attaches great importance to personalized care based on comprehensive diagnostics and many years of clinical experience. Endoscopic and sonographic diagnostics tailored to individual needs enable a precise evaluation of disease activity. At the same time, treatment is always carried out in accordance with current guidelines and in close consultation with patients. The aim is to achieve long-term stable disease control with as few restrictions on everyday life as possible.

Please visit the Clinic for Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology website for more information.