Excellent quality for an excellent institution

In March 2025, Dr. Abdallah acquired several Mindray Resona I9 ultrasound systems to further refine diagnostics and therapy at his facility. Alongside established breast ultrasound techniques such as Doppler and 3D, the integration of new equipment has enabled him to incorporate elastography as a valuable tool in his daily clinical practice. “It takes practice. I can now distinguish between the elastographic appearances of a fibroadenoma and a carcinoma. It’s extremely helpful when findings are inconclusive and I require additional information beyond what a conventional ultrasound image provides.”

Each year, Dr. Abdallah’s team treats approximately 1,400 inpatients and 8,600 outpatients with senological disorders, including roughly 600 cases of breast cancer. According to Dr. Abdallah, the reputation of his facility extends far beyond the Ruhr Area: “This reputation is based on trust. And trust means delivering solid work to build credibility. Moreover, what oncology patients need most of all is patience.” Dr. Abdallah is convinced that breast cancer patients need both medical and compassionate support for a successful treatment outcome. Or as one user wrote on Instagram: “My friend summed it up perfectly when she said she’d be willing to travel miles for that kind of support… and so would I!”

In complex treatment scenarios, patients specifically travel to Gelsenkirchen, knowing they are in the best possible hands. This applies to therapies for locally advanced carcinomas and metastatic breast cancer, as well as medical conditions during pregnancy or breastfeeding. And men diagnosed with breast cancer also find a dedicated resource here.

Gelsenkirchen is not the first place where Dr. Abdallah set up a senology department, but it is arguably the one he takes the most pride in. “When you’re setting up a center like this,” he says, “you have to have a dream.” And then adds very pragmatically: “And have an administration that supports it.” By this, he also means investments such as those in new ultrasound technology. When Mindray approached him promising excellent quality at a fair price, Dr. Abdallah agreed to a trial run and was soon won over: “The Resona I9 offers me everything I need—so much so that we now have four systems in use. And we’ll shortly have a portable TE Air handheld ultrasound device in the operating room.”

From Dr. Abdallah’s perspective, the Resona I9 has delivered a significant leap in quality. The exceptionally sharp images facilitate the detection and classification of even the smallest tumors or benign lesions. “I notice this most clearly in the visualization of hamartomas, allowing for highly detailed assessment and clear differentiation from fibroadenomas.” The system also provides vital support during ultrasound-guided biopsies, as it allows for precise visualization of the needle within the tissue. Furthermore, the technology is useful in assessing very dense breasts, which often pose a particular diagnostic challenge.

In addition, the device produces very little heat during continuous operation, avoiding any additional impact on the room temperature—even on increasingly hot days. Furthermore, the system operates with minimal noise—a feature often overlooked in demanding clinical environments, yet one that makes a tangible difference. “I spend most of my time in the operating room, and I usually keep the door open,” says Dr. Abdallah. “That’s why I find persistent noise throughout the day very disruptive over time.”

Last but not least, sonography plays a crucial role in the assessment of implants at the breast center. When partial or total removal of the breast tissue is necessary, many women want more than just effective cancer therapy; they also want the most natural-looking results possible. Modern oncoplastic techniques often make both possible today. Two methods can be used for breast reconstruction: implant-based (heterologous) or autologous (using the patient’s own tissue). For the latter, fat is typically harvested from the abdominal wall, and less commonly from the thigh, buttocks, or back.

Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. One of the most important differences: While autologous reconstruction avoids the use of foreign bodies, implant-based reconstruction may require one or more replacement surgeries over time. Common causes include capsular fibrosis, torsion, or implant rupture. This is where the Resona I9 demonstrates the true value of precise ultrasound diagnostics: Even fine cracks in the implant shell can be reliably detected. This enables early assessment of whether the implant is still intact, allowing patients to be treated based on conclusive findings. For Dr. Abdallah, this represents a significant improvement in routine clinical diagnostics—providing greater certainty for his patients.

Dr. Abdallah Abdallah has been chief physician of the Clinic for Senology / Ruhr Area Breast Center at the Evangelisches Klinikum Gelsenkirchen since 2008. As a gynecologist, he specializes in senology and oncoplastic breast surgery. In addition to numerous other publications, he authored the case-based atlas Onkoplastische Brustchirurgie / Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (2008). Recognized for his expertise in breast cancer and breast surgery, he has been named one of Germany’s best doctors multiple times by the magazines “Focus Gesundheit” and “Stern.”

EVK Gelsenkirchen is part of Eva Ruhr (Evangelischer Verbund Augusta Ruhr), which includes seven hospitals in Bochum, Castrop-Rauxel, Gelsenkirchen, Hattingen, Herne-Mitte, Herne-Eickel, and Witten.

* Photo credit: Eva Ruhr