Surgical treatment of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia with extended vulvectomy in St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler

About the department

According to the Focus edition, the Department of Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, Urogynecology and Mammology at the St. Antonius Hospital Eschweiler ranks among the top German medical facilities specializing in breast cancer treatment!

The department offers all the options of modern medicine for the prevention, diagnostics and treatment of the full range of diseases of the female genitalia. It provides comprehensive diagnostics of the female reproductive system and breast, as well as effective treatment of various gynecological diseases and breast pathologies. The doctors of the department successfully perform sparing minimally invasive interventions and plastic reconstructive interventions in the pelvic floor in the progressive operating rooms. Of particular interest for the department's gynecologists is the treatment of malignant diseases of the female reproductive system and breast cancer. In addition, the department's specialists are distinguished by their outstanding achievements in the treatment of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. The doctors of the medical facility pay great attention to personal communication with their patients, support them in every possible way and strive to create the most comfortable conditions during the entire therapeutic process. The Chief Physician of the department is Dr. med. Ion-Andrei Müller-Funogea.

The specialists in the field of gynecologic oncology deal with the treatment of uterine, cervical, ovarian and vulvar cancers. To make a diagnosis, the specialists usually use laboratory tests, classical and transvaginal ultrasound examination, as well as biopsy. In some cases, additional imaging tests (CT, MRI) may be required. With the diagnostic results confirming cancer, gynecologists in cooperation with oncologists and radiation therapists begin to develop an optimal treatment regimen. The treatment protocol in most cases includes a surgical resection of the malignant tumor, which may be complemented by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, antibody therapy and other treatments. Each clinical case is unique, and therefore the type of surgery, the intensity and duration of the course of conservative therapy are determined on an individual basis. In the field of surgical treatment, the specialists always give preference to minimally invasive surgery, if possible. When treating cancer in young women, the doctors always strive to preserve fertility, providing the patient with the opportunity to experience the joy of motherhood in the future.

The department offers the services of a specialized Breast Center, which task is the treatment of benign and malignant breast diseases. The first stage is comprehensive diagnostics, which provides data on the stage of the tumor, its size, localization and other important aspects determining the further treatment tactics. The department's diagnostic options in the field of mammology include high-resolution ultrasound examination, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound- or X-ray-guided vacuum-assisted and punch biopsy, as well as histological examination. The treatment is planned with the participation of mammologists, gynecologists, oncologists, radiologists, radiation therapists and plastic surgeons. It is the interdisciplinary approach that allows achieving a complete cure for oncology or a long-term remission. It should be noted that more than 70% of breast cancer surgeries are performed in the department using breast-conserving techniques, and this means that in most cases women manage to avoid radical surgery with total breast removal. If the patient has to undergo total mastectomy, she can also undergo a reconstructive surgical procedure in order to restore the shape of her breast using implants or autologous tissues (the reconstructive technique is selected individually for each patient). To completely kill cancer cells, the only surgery is not enough. Therefore, the intervention is followed by such additional conservative treatment methods as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, antibody therapy, anti-hormonal therapy, etc. In addition, the department employs qualified psychologists who are always ready to provide psychological support to both women and their relatives.

The department often admits the patients with benign gynecological diseases as well. Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are among the most common benign pathologies. The early stages of these diseases usually do not manifest any symptoms, but with their progression a woman experiences menstrual irregularities, back pain, bloating, constipation and frequent urination. Without timely treatment, uterine fibroids and endometriosis can cause infertility. In many cases, benign gynecological diseases can be effectively treated with drugs. The surgical interventions are performed only in advanced clinical cases. The department's gynecologists perform surgery for uterine fibroids and endometriosis using minimally invasive techniques. These surgical procedures involve only a few skin incisions, through which a mini camera and special instruments are inserted. Thus, the postoperative recovery period is significantly reduced and the patient can return to her daily life in the shortest possible time. Upon the completion of treatment, the department's specialists recommend the patients to undergo regular diagnostic examinations, since uterine fibroids and endometriosis are recurrent diseases.

The department's services range is complemented by the treatment of urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. In addition, the specialists in this area provide medical care to the patients suffering from functional diseases of the entire pelvic floor, including the bladder and colon. The first-line treatment is always conservative therapy (medication and physical therapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles). The surgical procedure can be performed only if the conservative treatment is ineffective.

The department's key clinical focuses include:

• Gynecology
  • Diagnostics and treatment of uterine fibroids
  • Diagnostics and treatment of endometriosis
    • Drug therapy
    • Minimally invasive surgery
• Gynecologic oncology
  • Diagnostics and treatment of uterine cancer 
  • Diagnostics and treatment of cervical cancer
  • Diagnostics and treatment of ovarian cancer
  • Diagnostics and treatment of vulvar cancer
    • Classic open surgery
    • Minimally invasive surgery
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Immunotherapy
    • Antibody therapy
• Urogynecology
  • Diagnostics and treatment of urinary incontinence
  • Diagnostics and treatment of pelvic organ prolapse
    • Drug therapy
    • Physiotherapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
    • Minimally invasive surgery
• Mammalogy
  • Diagnostics and treatment of breast cancer
    • Organ-conserving surgery
    • Total mastectomy (total breast resection)
    • Reconstructive plastic surgery to restore the shape of the breast using implants and autologous tissues
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Antibody therapy
    • Anti-hormonal therapy
• Other medical services