Urology
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Wille and in cooperation with Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Stefan C. Müller, MD, the complete diagnostic and therapeutic spectrum of urological diseases is offered by the Beta Klinik urology centre. Our service areas include urologic oncology, urogynaecology, reconstructive urology, prosthetic urology, andrology and general urology, including prostate and stone disorders.
Urologists are sought after when it comes to diseases of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, testes and external genitals. Prof. Wille’s team treats men as well as women and children.
Modern equipment is available for patient treatment. It includes a flexible cystoscope, a state-of-the-art 3-D ultrasound machine and a urodynamic measuring station.
The following services are conducted at our practice, in our outpatient operating room or in our inpatient operating theatres:
Medical range of services (examples)
- cancer screening (renal cancer, bladder cancer, testicular cancer, penile cancer and prostate cancer)
- chemotherapy
- kidney stones
- prostate disorders, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- incontinence (urine leakage)
- urodynamic measuring station
- erectile dysfunction (potency weakness)
- cystitis, prostatitis
- paediatric urological disorders: phimosis, undescended testicles, nocturnal enuresis
Outpatient surgical procedures
- adult circumcision
- urethral dilation
- Botox injections for overactive bladder
- sterilization (vasectomy)
- prostate punch biopsy (ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy)
Inpatient surgical procedures
- prostate resection or laser treatment
- bladder tumour resection
- urethral dilatation
- urethral reconstruction
- surgical stone therapy
- penile prosthesis
- surgery for kidney cancer
- radical removal of the prostate in cases of prostate cancer (prostatectomy)
- surgery for bladder cancer, complete removal of the bladder and bladder replacement
- surgery for penile cancer
- surgery for testicular cancer
- gender reassignment surgery in cases of transsexualism
- bladder pacemaker in cases of overactive bladder or underactive bladder
- incontinence surgery, tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), transobturator tape (TOT), artificial sphincter
- surgical correction of prolapsed pelvic floor
- surgical procedures on external genitalia (hydrocelectomy, penile impairment, varicocele repair)
The Beta Klinik operations listed here are performed in a minimally invasive manner, conducted via open surgery or done laparoscopically
Urological disorders
Urologists are sought after when it comes to diseases of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, testes and external genitals. Prof. Wille’s team treats men as well as women and children.
Nephrolithiasis
Many patients have kidney stones. These are sonographically or radiologically detected at the Beta Klinik and are treated endoscopically, surgically, or in a minimally invasive manner. Depending on their size and location, kidney stones can also be broken up via the use of external shock waves during a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
Prostate disorders, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate usually begins to enlarge after the age of 30. This causes many men to suffer from bladder voiding disorders, which can be very annoying. Prof. Wille’s practice performs diagnoses by means of sonography, uroflowmetry and, if necessary, urodynamics. All of the latest resection methods are provided at the Beta Klinik (see inpatient surgical range of services).
Urinary incontinence
Prof. Wille’s core competencies also include the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. Millions of people, especially women, suffer from urinary incontinence, which can manifest as either urge incontinence (overactive bladder/OAB) or as stress incontinence when coughing, sneezing or laughing. By means of complex diagnoses, the objective is to develop customised therapy concepts for patients, ranging from conventional pelvic floor exercises and drug treatment to botulinum toxin injection, bladder pacemaker implantation and surgical correction of the pelvic floor (see the Beta Klinik’s urological range of services for inpatient surgery).
Andrology (erectile dysfunction), reproduction
Many men are affected by erectile dysfunction. According to the current definition, erectile dysfunction is indicated when an erection is insufficient for sexual activity. The entire diagnostic range for the detection of erectile dysfunction is provided by the Beta Klinik in Bonn. Therapeutically, various drug options are available. If drug treatment does not create the desired effect, a penile prosthesis can be surgically implanted.
The Beta Klinik Urology Department is part of the Reproduction Centre, which is under the direction of Dr. med. Eva-Maria Boogen. We carry out comprehensive diagnostic workups (spermiogram) in cases of problems related to reproduction (infertility). Testicular biopsies for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are also performed at the Beta Klinik.
Cystitis, prostatitis
Countless people suffer from bladder or prostate inflammation. In acute situations, these ailments are properly treated with antibiotics. Often, however, antibiotic therapies are rendered ineffective after repeated use. Further antibiotic treatments can even lead to increasing damage to the immune system, which is responsible for the bladder mucosa defence mechanism. In such cases, the Beta Klinik, in cooperation with the Institut für Mikroökologie in Herborn, conducts a comprehensive analysis of the immune status. Through targeted delivery of immune modulators, the immune system can be strengthened again and recurring inflammation can be prevented.
Cancer screening and treatment
For patients with urologic cancer, all relevant aspects are discussed in an interdisciplinary manner among members of the tumour board. In cooperation with radiation therapists, pathologists, radiologists and urologists, a customized therapy concept is developed.
The Beta Klinik has high-quality imaging techniques, such as 3-Tesla MRI and innovative, fusion-guided biopsy. As a result, after a multiparametric MRI of the prostate is performed in combination with the fusion-guided biopsy technique, targeted tissue collection of the utmost precision and detection can be carried out.
In addition, the Beta Klinik has an in-house gene laboratory, which can be used to perform gene profiling in order to assess biological aggressiveness and tumour biology in cases of prostate cancer.
Cancer screening
Men who are 45 and older should have their prostates examined in order to screen for the presence of prostate cancer. To that end, in addition to the completion of a comprehensive patient history, a blood test is performed to determine the total and free PSA levels and palpation of the prostate is conducted. The testes, penis, and bladder are also examined for tumour diseases.
Bladder cancer
All patients with known bladder cancer or suspected bladder cancer are fully diagnosed and operated on at the Beta Klinik. Suspicion of bladder cancer is always present when patients notice blood in their urine, with no accompanying pain.
Prostate cancer, including chemotherapy
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males and is a main Beta Klinik focus area. We offer the entire diagnostic and therapeutic range, from precaution to modern diagnostics by means of multiparametric MRI and fusion punch biopsy to radical (nerve-sparing) prostatectomy. For the exact determination of biological aggressiveness, we offer genetic prostate cancer analyses, in order to develop customized therapy concepts.
Similarly, all drug-based tumour treatment options are available throughout the progression of a prostate carcinoma. During weekly Tumour Board sessions, customized therapy concepts are developed in an interdisciplinary manner among the urologist, radiation therapist, radiologist and oncologist.
Renal cancer, including chemotherapy
At the Beta Klinik, all radical and organ-preserving procedures, including laparoscopic resection techniques, are used for the treatment of kidney tumours. As with prostate cancer, throughout the course of the advancement of disease, drug treatment concepts are discussed and implemented within the interdisciplinary tumour board.
Testicular cancer, including chemotherapy
Similarly, patients with known testicular cancer or suspicion of the presence of a testicular tumour are diagnostically evaluated at the Beta Klinik. Abdominal and lung imaging are effected according to guidelines.
In view of its qualification in drug-based tumour treatment and many years of chemotherapy experience, the Beta Klinik offers all standard chemotherapy treatments.
Penile cancer, including chemotherapy
Penile cancer is a rare male disease and is diagnosed via biopsies and partial resections at the Beta Klinik. Within the interdisciplinary tumour board, personalized therapy concepts are discussed, defined and implemented.
Surgical range of services
The Beta Klinik operations listed here are performed in a minimally invasive manner, conducted via open surgery or done laparoscopically.
Outpatient urological surgery
The following outpatient surgeries are performed in the outpatient operating theatre:
- adult circumcision
- dilation of the urethral opening
- Botox injection in cases of overactive bladder
- sterilization (vasectomy)
- prostate biopsy
- testicular biopsy in cases of infertility
Outpatient urological surgery
The following inpatient procedures are performed in the Beta Klinik operating theatres:
Prostate resection
- conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- ejaculation-preserving resection of the prostate (epTURP)
- laser and plasma vaporization techniques in patients who are on anticoagulants (Marcumar, Aspirin, Plavix®, Xarelto®, Pradaxa®, Eliquis® etc.)
Urethral dilation, urethral reconstruction
Urethral slit by sight or urethral dilatation. Reconstruction of severe urethral strictures with oral mucosa.
Surgical stone therapy
This procedure is done via extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), endoscopic (minimally invasive) techniques or open surgery.
Penile prosthesis
When drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra prove unsuccessful, a penis prosthesis is the best and most sustainable option for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Kidney cancer surgery
In cases of renal cancer, tumours are either removed in an organ-saving manner or completely, i.e., via nephrectomy.
Prostate removal in cases of prostate cancer
For the treatment of prostate cancer, the prostate is removed, if possible, in a nerve-protective (erectile-protective) manner.
Bladder cancer surgery, complete removal of the bladder and bladder replacement
In cases of suspected bladder cancer, the area concerned should be examined via a cycstoscopy or a transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB). To complete such procedures, the most modern flexible endoscopes, including highly sensitive imaging technology (narrow band imaging/NBI), are available at the Beta Klinik.
In cases where the muscles are affected, the entire bladder will be removed at the Beta Klinik. Urinary diversion is effected by means of customary methods, such as orthotopic bladder replacements made from intestine with urethral connection, or the use of urine bags.
Penile cancer surgery
This relatively rare, malignant disease of the penis must be treated via partial or complete penile removal. If necessary, lymph nodes in the groin and/or pelvic area are also removed.
Testicular cancer surgery
Younger men between the ages of 20 and 40 are predominantly affected. The Beta Klinik carries out all necessary steps associated with this illness, from the first examination to surgery and, if necessary, chemotherapy. Further treatment using chemotherapy or irradiation is planned and implemented by the interdisciplinary tumour board. The tumour board is comprised of pathologists, radiation therapists, oncologists and urologists.
Gender reassignment surgery
Gender reassignment surgery is performed at the Beta Klinik. We usually offer male-to-female gender reassignment. The neoclitoris is microsurgically implanted to preserve the neurovascular bundle.
Bladder pacemaker in cases of overactive bladder or underactive bladder
Women particularly suffer from overactive bladder, which does not respond well to drug or Botox treatment. The use of a bladder pacemaker is a very successful solution for this condition. First, a test phase is completed to determine whether a bladder pacemaker is suitable. If the test phase proves successful, a pacemaker can be inserted by means of a minor procedure. The battery must be replaced after 8-10 years.
Incontinence surgery, tension-free vaginal tape (TVT), transobturator tape (TOT), artificial sphincter
Many women suffer from stress incontinence, which means they experience urine leakage when coughing, sneezing or laughing. When conservative therapy, which is offered in the form of pelvic floor training at the Beta Klinik, does not create the desired effect, a small sling is surgically placed under the urethra. Success rates for this procedure reach 80%, even after several years.
When men experience stress incontinence, prior prostate surgery is usually the cause (radical prostatectomy or transurethral resection of the prostate/TURP). For the treatment of male stress incontinence, an artificial sphincter is usually implanted. Slings are also occasionally used.
Surgical correction of prolapsed pelvic floor
The term “prolapse” refers to prolapsed pelvic organs. These include the bladder, the uterus, the vaginal stump after removal of the uterus, and the rectum. A prolapse of these organs can lead to numerous, varying complaints. Patients often suffer from urge incontinence, stress incontinence, urge symptoms, defecation problems and pain during sexual intercourse.
Depending on the severity and extent of the symptoms, different surgical techniques can be used to correct a pelvic organ prolapse, either via the vagina or the abdomen. Minimally invasive methods are also used.
