ProstataZentrum NordWest: Specialists in Prostate Cancer

The ProstataZentrum NordWest (PZNW) at the St. Antonius Hospital in Gronau which is certified by the German Cancer Society (DKG), is one of the most powerful prostate centers in Europe. Patients from all over the world opt for treatment with an expert team led by Associate Professor Dr Jörn H. Witt, founder and head of the PZNW as well as Chair of the Department for Urology, Pediatric Urology and Urologic Oncology at the St. Antonius Hospital.

At the Cutting Edge of Medicine

At the PZNW, state-of-the-art therapy and diagnostic methods are used. The team is regularly active at international congresses and conferences, cooperating with national and international institutions and research centers. Since many years, “Gronau” is well known for high class medicine in the urological world.

Certified Prostate Cancer Center in Germany

The medical specialists in urology are proven experts in prostate diseases – benign enlarged prostate as well as prostate cancer.

After a detailed anamnesis, diagnosis, and consultation of a patient, the optimal treatment is elaborated individually. An experienced team of doctors treats patients according and beyond to latest medical guidelines. Additionally, patient concierges, patient managers and the high qualified nurse team attend to the patient’s medical and personal needs.

Specialists in Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer

The focus of the certified prostate cancer center in Gronau is the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate carcinoma is the most common cancer disease in men. Because prostate cancer can be treated best if diagnosed in an early stage, patients should not hesitate to contact an urologist immediately if they suffer from symptoms. Better have a PSA test on regular base from the age of 45. Modern diagnostic procedures and diverse treatment methods are available in the PZNW.

The da Vinci® Operating System – High-Tech Support in the Operating Room

The robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed over 2,000 times per year at PZNW, is the gold standard for prostatectomy because it offers numerous advantages over conventional surgical methods.

Thanks to modern technology, robot-assisted surgery is possible with a precision that cannot be achieved with any other surgical method. The robot provides a three-dimensional view of the surgical field with an up to 20-fold magnification. The instruments allow movements with 7 degrees. With the wrist-like usage of these instruments the surgeon can perform complex movements without being compromised in the dexterity. The relaxed sitting working position reduces physical stress during the treatment and helps the surgeon to stay focused on the procedure. Blood loss, complication rates and pain are significantly reduced in robot-assisted procedures leading to almost invisible scars, faster recovery and shorter length of stay in the hospital. Thanks to the rapid reconvalescence, patients can return to their everyday life quickly.

Experience in More than 17,000 Robot-Assisted Prostatectomies

Robot-assisted surgery allows the most precise surgery possible. Crucial structures for continence (e.g. muscles and fiber tissue) can be preserved in the best possible way. Long term continence problems are very unlikely after robot-assisted prostatectomy performed at PZNW. Also nerves and small blood vessels for erectile function (potency) can be preserved as good as possible, depending on the oncological situation. The role of the surgeon in using the robotic instruments is outstanding. At PZNW only special trained and high experienced surgeons working in an institution with a high developed quality management.

The ProstataZentrum NordWest can reference to an experience of more than 20,000 robot-assisted surgeries – including more than 17,000 prostate cancer operations – and the latest da Vinci® surgical techniques in five operating rooms. This makes the PZNW one of the largest and most renowned centers for robot-assisted surgery in the world.

The department for Urology (which the PZNW is part of) is using the robotic technology also for other complex urologic procedures as partial nephrectomy, bladder cancer surgery or reconstructive procedures.

In-House Education and Training Center

Because of its pioneering role in robot-assisted prostate surgery, the PZNW is in high demand – both nationally and internationally – as a partner for scientific congresses as well as continuous medical education for surgeons and nursing staff. The clinic runs its own education and training center including the Training Center at the European Robotic Institute (ERI). It offers specialized training courses in the field of robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery.

Special Services Beyond Standard

The specialized prostate center also takes innovative approaches in the area of patient care, reaching standards far beyond usual. The holistic concept includes comprehensive care with a high level of comfort. For example, patient concierges and patient managers support patients with all formalities as well as the coordination of appointments. This ensures that everything the doctors have to know for an optimized treatment will be available or scheduled prior to the visit of the patient.

In addition, optional accommodation services such as single or double rooms, special meals, and hotel service are provided to make the hospital stay in Gronau as pleasant as possible.

Further information is available on the website of the PZNW - ProstataZentrum NordWest.