Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Axel Heidenreich

Professor Heidenreich is an outstanding German urologist, not only as head of the country’s major university hospital urology department, but also as the author of innovative surgical techniques in prostate, bladder, and testicular surgery. His research interests and clinical activities and achievements include the most complex interventions on advanced cancer stages, the so-called "hopeless cases", when patients are refused treatment in other specialized clinics. Alongside with unique techniques of large-size tumor radical resection, Dr.Heidenreich employs a wide range of plastic and reconstructive surgery methods to preserve and restore the vital functions of the urinary tract and male genital system. As a rule, tumor removal and reconstructive procedures are performed within the same intervention, which brings the risk of side effects down to the minimum. One of the areas of the doctor's high expertise area is urinary bladder reconstruction using the patient’s own tissue.

Extensive use of robotic surgery reduces surgical trauma and facilitates rapid postoperative recuperation. Prostate surgery performed in this way practically eliminates the risks of postoperative incontinence and in most cases ensures erectile function recovery.

Professor Heidenreich is a most renowned expert in the field of testicular cancer, which is one of the reasons why the Urology Department at the Cologne University Hospital is an accredited second opinion center for testicular germ cell tumors.

The Urology Department headed by Professor Heidenreich is a certified prostate carcinoma center. It features all modern methods of prostate diseases treatment, including surgery, drug and radionuclide therapies. A holistic synthesis of surgery and non-surgical treatment options (chemotherapy, immune and antihormonal therapy) provides for longer life expectancy and a better quality of life.

Professor Heidenreich is a unique specialist combining the skills of a brilliant surgeon and a scrupulous clinician.

Education

• 1983 – 1990 Human medicine Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz University of the Health Sciences, San Antonio, Texas, USA

Professional Experience

• 1990–1992 Resident in Urology Urology Department, Bundeswehr Central Hospital, Koblenz
• 1992 Doctoral thesis Urology Department, Cologne University Hospital
• 1992-1993 Resident Urology Department, Tübingen University Hospital
• 1993-1994 Resident Surgery Department, Hechingen Regional Hospital
• 1994-1995 Resident Urology Department, Cologne University Hospital
• 08.1995-10.1996 Research fellow Urological Oncology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C
• 12.1996 Board exam in Urology, Staff Urologist Urology Department, Cologne University Hospital
• 1997-1998 Leading senior physician Urology Department, Cologne University Hospital
• 1998 Associate Professor in Urology
• 1999-2003 Leading senior physician Department for Urology and Pediatric Urology, Philipps University of Marburg
• 2004 Professor by special appointment
• 2004-2008 Department head Urologic Oncology Section, Urology Department, Cologne University Hospital
• 2008-2015 Director Urology Department, University Hospital RWTH Aachen
• 2015 Doctor honoris causae Carol-Davila-University, Bucarest, Romania
• since 2015 Director, Urology Department, Cologne University Hospital Urology chair, Cologne University Hospital

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