A world-renowned urologist and expert on cancerous prostate diseases, Claus Roehrborn, M.D., has been practicing at UT Southwestern for more than 20 years and has been Chair of the Department of Urology since 2002. Under his leadership, the Department has consistently been named among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report.
Dr. Roehrborn’s practice focuses on the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Over the past several years, he has performed more than 1,200 robotic prostatectomies for prostate cancer and more than 800 laser prostatectomies for BPH, making him one of the country’s most experienced surgeons in the use of robotic procedures for urologic conditions. In addition, he is involved in virtually all aspects of BPH research as well as translational and clinical research in prostatitis and prostate cancer.
Born and raised in the former West Germany, Dr. Roehrborn earned his medical degree from Justus Liebig University in Giessen and began his residency in surgery and urology at the German Army Hospital there. He was initially drawn to urology during medical school because of the comprehensive nature of the specialty that allows physicians to see patients, do their own medical tests, diagnose their conditions, operate on them if necessary, and then do follow-up care.
In 1984 Dr. Roehrborn moved to Dallas and continued his studies at UT Southwestern where he received advanced training in urologic endocrinology. He became a faculty member of UT Southwestern in 1992.
Dr. Roehrborn has been included in D Magazine's Best Doctors list and was named a Super Doctor by Texas Monthly. In 2010, he was the recipient of the Patricia and William L. Watson Jr., M.D., Award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine, which recognizes a UT Southwestern clinician whose work exemplifies a commitment to outstanding patient care and advancement of innovative medical therapy. The recipient of the award is chosen by a panel of colleagues and peers.
Claus Roehrborn, M.D., a urologist with special expertise in prostate cancer, has devoted his career to researching and treating prostate diseases. The greatest reward? “When a patient sends his son, brother, uncle, or father to see me — even from far-away places,” he says. “That tells me the patient thinks there’s no one else he would rather have his family member see.”
“I visit with patients. I sit down with them and take their history. I do my own diagnostic evaluation, prostate biopsies, and surgeries. So patients are cared for by me in a very personal manner.”
Among many awards, Dr. Roehrborn is consistently recognized as a Best Doctor by D Magazine and a Super Doctor by Texas Monthly. The Department of Urology at UT Southwestern is nationally ranked in U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Hospitals.
Lots of people put their trust in Dr. Roehrborn. He’s performed more than 1,200 urologic surgeries using advanced robotic techniques that offer patients the fastest possible return of continence and sexual function. That level of expertise is unmatched in North Texas.
“Robotic surgery has added immensely to the quality of outcomes for my patients,” Dr. Roehrborn says. “It combines the best of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery with 3-D imaging and magnification capabilities that in my experience are unbeatable. It gives patients with prostate problems and diseases a very quick and very early return of both continence and potency.”
An expert in prostate cancer, Dr. Roehrborn maintains a blog where he discusses issues in urology and prostate diseases, including controversies over prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. He’s also a proponent of active surveillance programs for prostate cancer, rather than immediately commencing treatment whenever it’s found. “Active surveillance is often not chosen by community urologists,” he says. “But oftentimes patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer by way of PSA testing have a low stage of the disease and may actually benefit more from surveillance.”
