Best Nephrectomy doctors: TOP 125 doctors

With a Degree in Medicine and Surgery obtained at the Universidad Complutense in Madrid, he completed his studies in Nephrology as a Resident Doctor at the Clínico Universitario

San Carlos Hospital in Madrid where he completed his studies with Doctorate courses in Endocrinology.

Throughout his trajectory, Dr Marañés has carried out extensive work relating to his subject of interest, i.e., renal diseases associated to diabetic patients, and has taken part in the pancreatic islets transplant programme of patients with renal transplants. He is the author of numerous national and international medical-scientific publications.

Professional Experience:

• 2006 – Currently: Head of the Nephrology and Haemodialysis Unit of the Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital.

• 1996 – 2006: Medical Consultant of the Nephrology and Haemodialysis Unit of the Costa del Sol de Marbella Hospital from December 1996 to June 2006.

• 2004 – 2006: President of the Commission of Pharmacists and Therapists from 2004 to 2006.

• 1996: Nephrology Unit of the Getafe University Hospital.

• 1995-1996: Medical Consultant of the Nephrology Unit of the Virgen de la Luz Hospital in Cuenca.

• 1995 – 1996: Head of the Madrid-Oeste Dialysis Centre ascribed to the San Carlos University Hospital.

Research

• FIS Research Project (record: 93/0029-02) on the «Study of the effects of human pancreatic islets in Type I Diabetes patients".

• MAR Project, Morbidity and Mortality Anaemia Renal studies. Descriptive, prospective, multicentred and open study on case series. 2003-2004

• Nefrona Project: Observational, prospective and multicentred study on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients at different stages of chronic renal disease.

• Department of Pathology. University of Edinburgh. United Kingdom, 1987.

The Nephrology and Hypertension Unit deals with non-surgical kidney diseases and with blood pressure. The professionals of the Nephrology Unit of Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital have vast experience in this speciality which, together with the latest drug technologies and equipment, helps them prevent and correct potential system unbalance and provide better recovery to patients. Due to the close connection between kidney conditions and the function of other vital organs, the specialists of the Nephrology team apply a multidisciplinary approach and work with the Cardiology, Endocrinology, Digestive System and Urology Units, amongst others.

Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital is the only private establishment in the area to be equipped with a Dialysis Unit provided with 20 stations in a facility situated in an adjacent building as an independent healthcare circuit. Due to our background in providing services to international patients, this Haemodialysis Unit has a team of interpreters for overseas patients providing various languages that guarantee a personalised service regardless of the country of origin.

Dr. Özcan Uzun is a nephrology specialist. He earned his medical degree from Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine (2005-2011). He completed his internal medicine and nephrology training at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine (2012-2016, 2018-2022).

Dr. Uzun treats acute and chronic kidney failure, diabetic kidney disease, Fabry disease, glomerulonephritis, hyponatremia, kidney disease related to heart failure, and vasculitis. He is skilled in managing diabetic kidney disease, treating glomerulonephritis, providing hemodialysis, and controlling hypertension.

He has worked as an internal medicine specialist at Batman Training and Research Hospital. He also served as a nephrology specialist at Yalova State Hospital. Dr. Uzun is a member of the Turkish Nephrology Association and the Izmir Medical Chamber.

Areas of Interests

• Chronic kidney disease.
• Cystic Kidney Diseases
• Hypertension
• Fluid-electrolyte and acid-base disorders

Education

• Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (1981-1987)
• English High School, Istanbul (1973-1981)
• Arnavutköy Primary School, Istanbul (1968-1973)

Experience

• Medical Residency Student at Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (1987-1992)
• Medical Residency Student at Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine (1992-1995)
• Visiting scholar (international scholar) at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in the USA (March-June 1995)
• Associate Professorship of Internal Medicine (October 2, 1996)
• Scientific research fellow (1998-2000) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in the USA (with a fellowship from the International Society of Nephrology)
• Professoriate of Internal Medicine (May 2002)
• Istanbul Bilim University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology (June 2014-December 2021)

Head of Rambam Department of Urology, Oncosurgeon

Areas of Interests

• Ureteroscopic Stone Surgery
• Robot Assisted Urological Procedures
• Robot Assisted Surgery
• Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP)
• Prostatectomy
• Prostate Biopsy
• Robotic Surgery
• Bladder Cancer Closed Surgery
• Laser Prostate Surgery

Education

• 2000-2007 Istanbul University Istanbul Medical Faculty (Urology)
• 2007-2012 Istanbul University Istanbul Medical Faculty (Urology Department, urology specialist)
   

Work Experience

• 2012- 2013 Cleveland Clinic (Ohio, USA) Prof. Dr. Robert Stein worked on robotic urology.
• 2014-2021 ASG Urology Specialist at Acibadem Atakent Hospital

Scientific Publications

• The use of self-retaining barbed suture for inner layer renorrhaphy significantly reduces warm ischemia time in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: outcomes of a matched-pair analysis.J Endourol. 2013 Apr;27(4):452-8. doi: 10.1089/end.2012.0574. Epub 2013 Feb 5. Erdem S, Tefik T, Mammadov A, Ural F, Oktar T, Issever H, Nane I, Sanli O.
• Preoperative and intraoperative observations may differ during laparoscopic nephron-sparing surgery.J Endourol. 2011 Aug;25(8):1315-21. doi: 10.1089/end.2011.0072. Epub 2011 Jul 11. Sanli O, Tefik T, Mammadov A, Guzelburc V, Oktar T, Erdem S, Kucukdurmaz F.
   

Scientific Publications

• IV Eurasian Andrology Symposium; May 30-31, 2009 (Sochi)
• 23rd National Urology Congress; October 16-19 2014 (Antalya)
• XII Eurasian Andrology Symposium; June 16-17, 2016 (Mongolia)
• 25th National Urology Congress; October 6-9, 2016 (Girne, Cyprus)
• EAU Congress; March 24-28, 2017 (London)
• AUA Congress; May 12-16 2017 (Boston)
• AUA Congress; May 18-21, 2018 (San Francisco)
• AUA Congress; May 3-6, 2019 (Chicago)
• 28th National Urology Congress October 10-13 (Antalya)

Dr. Vladimir Yutkin, MD, is the Director of Urologic Oncology, Robotic, and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery at Hadassah Medical Center. He has over 20 years of experience treating urological cancers. Dr. Yutkin also co-directs the Endo-Urology Society Fellowship. He is known for his expertise in minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Dr. Yutkin graduated from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1996. He has performed many successful procedures, helping to improve patient survival and recovery. Dr. Yutkin speaks English, Hebrew, and Russian. He is a respected leader in urologic oncology.

Areas of Expertise and Interest

• Urological Cancers (Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery)
• Stone diseases
• Benign prostate hyperplasia
• Minimally invasive prostate treatments (HoLEP, TuLEP, Rezum, TUR-P,..)
• Kidney Diseases
• Prostate Diseases
• Bladder Diseases
• Testis Diseases
• Sexual Dysfunctions - Infertility
• Infections

Education

• Bachelor's / Master's Degree: Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, 2006
• PhD: Urology, Bezmialem Vakıf University, 2012

Professional and Observational Experience in Medicine

• Research Assistant, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, 10/2006 - 03/2007
• Research Assistant, Bezmialem Valide Sultan Foundation Gureba Training and Research Hospital, Urology Clinic, 08/2007 - 10/2010
• Research Assistant, Bezmialem University, Department of Urology, 10/2010 - 08/2012
• Observer, University of Michigan, Department of Urology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 05/2011 - 06/2011
• Specialist, Idil State Hospital, Idil, Şırnak, 11/2012 - 08/2014
• Specialist, Giresun Dr. A. İlhan Özdemir State Hospital, Giresun, 09/2014 - 2015
• Associate Professor, Bezmialem Vakıf University, Department of Urology, 2015 - 2024
• Associate Professor, Medipol Acıbadem Regional Hospital, 2024 - Present

Awards Received

• Effects of Sildenafil Citrate and Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors on the Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase, Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase, and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1 Alpha in Pulmonary Hypertension-Induced Rat Cavernous Tissues. Ilbey Y.Ö, Şimşek A, Özcan L, Cilli M, Polat E.C, Ersöz C, Somay A, Özbek E. 8th National Andrology Congress (International Participation), İzmir, Turkey, May 20-23. Congress Abstract Book; 22: SS-01 (2009). (Male Sexual Health Alpay Kelami Award)
• Extraperitoneal (EXPERT-ONOL) Sacrocolpopexy in the Treatment of Advanced Uterovaginal and Vaginal Prolapse: Intermediate-Term Results. Önol Ş.Y, Armağan A, Tepeler A, Başıbüyük İ, Ersöz C, Erdem M.R. 22nd National Urology Congress (International Participation), Girne, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, May 02-06. Congress Abstract Book, 369: V-021 (2012).

Certificates

• Prof. Cevper Ersöz has over 130 national and international publications.

Memberships in Scientific Organizations

• Turkish Urology Association
• Turkish Pediatric Urology Association
• Turkish Endourology Association
• European Association of Urology (EAU)
• European Society of Endourology

Urologist, Oncosurgeon

Prof. Dr. Eduard Becht is a Urologist in Germany with 41 years of experience and holds an honorary doctorate from Kapodiastrias University of Athens. He is a lecturer at Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main since 1994 and specializes in Urological Oncology, Minimally Invasive Treatment of Prostate Cancer, Kidney Tumor Operation, Urethral Surgery, Pediatric Urology and Kidney Stone Treatment. He has published over 100 scientific papers.

Experience

2017 - 2022 Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Associate Professor

2017 - 2022 Haseki Training and Research Hospital

2013 - 2017 Haseki Training and Research Hospital

2013 - 2017 Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Chief Resident

2010 - 2013 Silivri State Hospital (Compulsory Service Obligation)

2008 - 2008 University of Michigan Medical School

2005 - 2010 Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Urology

Education

2010 Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Urology

2004 Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical Faculty

Publications

International Peer-Reviewed Journals:

Culpan M, Atis G, Sanli O, Bozkurt Y, Atmaca AF, Semerci B, Kutsal C, Canda AE, Akbulut F, Tugcu V, Boylu U, Erturhan S, Koca O, Ateş F, Halis F, Soyupek S, Turna B, Cakmak S, Sahin S, Erdem S, Yildirim A. "Comparison of Tumor Enucleation and Standard Partial Nephrectomy According to Trifecta Outcomes: A Multicenter Study by the Turkish Academy of Urology, Uro-Oncology Working Group." J Invest Surg. 2022 May;35(5):1112-1118.

Sahan M, Sarilar O, Akbulut MF, Demir E, Savun M, Sen O, Ozgor F. "Flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy with regional anesthesia vs general anesthesia: A prospective randomized study." Int Braz J Urol. 2020 Nov-Dec;46(6):1010-1018.

Cubuk A, Yanaral F, Savun M, Ayranci A, Erbin A, Yazici O, Akbulut MF, Sarilar O. "Modified autologous transobturator tape surgery - evaluation of short-term results." Ginekol Pol. 2020;91(2):51-56.

Kandemir E, Savun M, Sezer A, Erbin A, Akbulut MF, Sarilar Ö. "Comparison of Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Standard Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Secondary Patients: A Randomized Prospective Study." J Endourol. 2020 Jan;34(1):26-32.

Ucpinar B, Erbin A, Ayranci A, Caglar U, Alis D, Basal S, Sarilar O, Akbulut MF. "Prediction of recurrence in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients. Do patient characteristics matter?" J BUON. 2019 Jul-Aug;24(4):1659-1665.

Ozdemir H, Erbin A, Sahan M, Savun M, Cubuk A, Yazici O, Akbulut MF, Sarilar O. "Comparison of supine and prone miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy in the treatment of lower pole, middle pole and renal pelvic stones: A matched pair analysis." Int Braz J Urol. 2019 Sep-Oct;45(5):956-964.

Erbin A, Ucpinar B, Cubuk A, Yazici O, Uysal H, Savun M, Basal S, Akbulut MF. "The Impact of Sheath Size in Miniaturized Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Adult Patients; A Matched-pair Analysis." Urol J. 2019 Dec 24;16(6):536-540.

Güler A, Erbin A, Ucpinar B, Savun M, Sarilar O, Akbulut MF. "Comparison of miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy and standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy for the treatment of large kidney stones: a randomized prospective study." Urolithiasis. 2019 Jun;47(3):289-295.

Yanaral F, Ozgor F, Savun M, Agbas A, Akbulut F, Sarilar O. "Shock-wave Lithotripsy for Pediatric Patients: Which Nomogram Can Better Predict Postoperative Outcomes?" Urology. 2018 Jul;117:126-130.

Arslan B, Akbulut MF, Onuk O, Küçüktopçu O, Çilesiz NC, Ozkan A, Yazıcı G. "A comparison of Amplatz dilators and metal dilators for tract dilatation in mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy." Int Urol Nephrol. 2017 Apr;49(4):581-585.

Akbulut F, Kucuktopcu O, Kandemir E, Ucpinar B, Ozgor F, Simsek A, Arslan B, Erbin A, Yanaral F, Binbay M, Gurbuz G. "Efficacy and safety of mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy in obese patients." Springerplus. 2016 Jul 22;5(1):1148.

Sancak EB, Oguz S, Akbulut T, Uludag A, Akbas A, Kurt O, Akbulut MF. "Female sexual dysfunction in androgenetic alopecia: Case-control study." Can Urol Assoc J. 2016, July;10(7-8):E251-256.

Akbulut F, Kucuktopcu O, Kandemir E, Sonmezay E, Simsek A, Ozgor F, Binbay M, Muslumanoglu AY, Gurbuz G. "Comparison of flexible ureterorenoscopy and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy in treatment of lower calyceal stones smaller than 2 cm." Ren Fail. 2016;38(1):163-7.

Tok A, Akbulut F, Buldu I, Karatag T, Kucuktopcu O, Gurbuz G, Istanbulluoglu O, Armagan A, Tepeler A, Tasci AI. "Comparison of microperc and mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy for medium-sized lower calyx stones." Urolithiasis. 2016 Apr;44(2):155-9.

Akbulut F, Tok A, Penbegul N, Daggulli M, Eryildirim B, Adanur S, Gurbuz G, Celik H, Utangac MM, Dede O, Bodakcı MN, Tepeler A, Sarica K. "Colon perforation related to percutaneous nephrolithotomy: from diagnosis to treatment." Urolithiasis. 2015 Nov;43(6):521-6.

Ozluk Y, Sari S, Guzel NT, Firat P, Akbulut F, Kilicaslan I. "Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor of the kidney with sarcomatous transformation metastatic to the lung: A case report." Anal Quant Cytopathol Histpathol. 2015 Jun;37(3):199-205.

Ozgor F, Kucuktopcu O, Sarilar O, Toptas M, Simsek A, Gurbuz ZG, Akbulut MF, Binbay M. "Does previous open renal surgery or percutaneous nephrolithotomy affect the outcomes and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy." Urolithiasis. 2015 Nov;43(6):541-7.

Ugurlu İM, Akman T, Binbay M, Tekinarslan E, Yazıcı Ö, Akbulut MF, Özgör F, Müslümanoğlu AY. "Outcomes of retrograde flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy for stone disease in patients with anomalous kidneys." Urolithiasis. 2015 Feb;43(1):77-82.

Simsek A, Ozgor F, Kirecci SL, Akbulut MF, Sonmezay E, Yuksel B, Kucuktopcu O, Gurbuz ZG. "Results of tension-free vaginal tape for recurrent stress urinary incontinence after unsuccessful transobturator tape surgery." J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2014 Jun;40(6):1764-9.

Simsek A, Kirecci SL, Kucuktopcu O, Ozgor F, Akbulut MF, Sarilar O, Ozkuvanci U, Gurbuz ZG. "Comparison of paroxetine and dapoxetine, a novel selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the treatment of premature ejaculation." Asian J Androl. 2014 Sep-Oct;16(5):725-7.

Akbulut F, Kucuktopcu O, Sonmezay E, Simsek A, Ozgor F, Gurbuz ZG. "Partial penectomy after debridement of a Fournier's gangrene progressing with an isolated penile necrosis." Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2014 Sep;20(5):385-8.

Simsek A, Ozgor F, Yuksel B, Kucuktopcu O, Kirecci SL, Toptas M, Sarilar O, Berberoglu AY, Gurbuz ZG, Mimaroglu S, Akbulut F, Baykal M, Arslan B, Savun M, Ucpinar B. "Female sexual function after transobturator tape in women with urodynamic stress urinary incontinence." Springerplus. 2014 Sep 30;3:570.

Akbulut F, Akman T, Salabas E, Dincer M, Ortac M, Kadioglu A. "Neurovascular bundle dissection for Nesbit procedure in congenital penile curvature patients: medial or lateral?" Asian J Androl. 2014 May-Jun;16(3):442-5.

Kadioglu A, Sanli O, Akman T, Canguven O, Aydin M, Akbulut F, Kucukdurmaz F. "Factors Affecting the Degree of Penile Deformity in Peyronie's Disease: An Analysis of 1001 Patients." J Androl. 2011 Sep-Oct;32(5):502-8.

Akman T, Sanli O, Uluocak N, Akbulut F, Nane I, Demir S, Kadioglu A. "The most commonly altered type of Peyronie's disease deformity under oral colchicine treatment is lateral curvature that mostly shifts to the dorsal side." Andrologia. 2011 Feb;43(1):28-33.

Akbulut MF, Sanli O, Kadioglu A. "Editorial Comment on: Are Infertile Men Less Healthy than Fertile Men? Results of a Prospective Case-Control Survey." Eur Urol. 2009 Dec;56(6):1032.

Acar O, Akinci M, Uluocak N, Akbulut F, Kilicaslan I, Gokce O. "Paratesticular metastasis of malignant melanoma: a case report." Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2008 Jun;24(6):315-8.

Çubuk A, Erbin A, Savun M, Ayranci A, Üçpınar B, Yanaral F, Sarılar Ö, Basal Ş, Akbulut MF. "Autologous transobturator midurethral sling." Turk J Urol. 2018 Dec 21;45(3):230-232.

Sarılar Ö, Özgör F, Küçüktopçu O, Uçpınar B, Akbulut MF, Savun M, Gürbüz ZG, Binbay M. "Is standard percutaneous nephrolithotomy still the standard treatment modality for renal stones less than three centimeters?" Turk J Urol. 2017 Jun;43(2):165-170.

Akbulut F, Savun M, Ucpinar B, Sahan M, Arslan B, Ozgor F, Simsek A, Berberoglu AY, Baykal M, Binbay M. "Duplicated Renal System with H Shaped Ureter: An Extraordinary Anomaly." Case Rep Urol. 2016;2016:4062515.

Akbulut F, Kucuktopcu O, Kandemir E, Sonmezay E, Simsek A, Ucpinar B, Ozgor F, Gurbuz G. "Comparison of efficacy of laser lithotripter with ultrasonic lithotripter in mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy." Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2016 Jan 14;87(4):276-9.

Ozgor F, Simsek A, Aydogdu O, Kucuktopcu O, Sarilar O, Berberoglu AY, Akbulut MF, Binbay M. "Bleeding during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: Can a hemostatic matrix help to improve hemostasis?"

Prof. Dr. Himmet Bora Uslu is a skilled nephrologist with more than 20 years of experience in kidney care. He focuses on kidney transplantation, chronic kidney disease, hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, hypertension, and inherited kidney disorders.

Dr. Uslu has published many articles in both international and national journals. He is dedicated to improving nephrology and is known for providing high-quality, evidence-based care for complex kidney conditions.

Surgical treatment: all types of operations in urology.

General management of the medical service. Polyclinic reception of patients. Participation in councils. "Second opinion" in difficult cases, expert assessment of clinical situations. Organization and holding of master classes, workshops, webinars.

Techniques that the doctor possesses:

TUIP of the prostate and TOIP of the formations of the urinary bladder.

Laser enucleation of the prostate, laser dissection of bladder tumors.

Laser vaporization of the prostate gland.

Laser incision of urethral strictures

Contact laser uretero- , pyelo- and cystolithotripsy

Percutaneous (mini) nephrolithotripsy

Intrarenal retrograde and antegrade surgery (RIRS and AIRS) Operation Boari.

Plastic surgery of the urethra in case of injury or stricture

Transvesical access prostatectomy

Cystostomy - open and trocar

Nephrostomy

Radical nephrectomy (including laparoscopic)

Suturing of the rupture of the kidney

Pyelolithotomy

Ureterolithotomy

Pelvic-ureteral plastic surgery (laparoscopic)

Removal of kidney cysts (Cystectomy) (laparoscopic)

Ureterocystoneostomy

Ureterocutaneostomy

Operations for intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal ruptures of the urinary bladder

Orchectomy

Epididymectomy

Bergmann and Winckelmann operations

Revision of organs of the portico due to injuries and inflammatory diseases

Operation of Ivanisevich and Marmar for varicocele, circumcision, percutaneous nephrostomy, nephrolithotripsy

Puncture of kidney cysts

Memberships

• European Association of Urology (EAU)
• Hungarian Society of Urologists
• Hungarian Medical Chamber

Academic degree

Ph.D

International experience

• 2011.11: Advanced laparoscopic urological surgery course - University Clinic Leipzig, Dept. Of Urology, Leipzig, Germany
• 2011.12: 2-week fellowship of the European Society of Urology for a clinical visit Dept. of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark
• 2013.02. - 2013.05.: 3-month research fellowship of the European Society of Urology;
• 2013.09. - 2014.09.: 1 year research fellowship of the European Society of Urology
  • Lund University, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Dept. Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Lund, Sweden;
  • Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Glycobiology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden

After graduating in Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Saltutti specialized in Urology, gaining advanced expertise in treating disorders of the male and female urinary system, as well as the male reproductive system. Throughout his professional journey, he has focused on innovative and minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as robotic and laparoscopic surgery, especially for the treatment of prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers.

Over the years, Dr. Saltutti has attended numerous national and international conferences, expanding his knowledge and contributing to the advancement of therapeutic and surgical techniques in the urological field. He is known for his clinical expertise and dedication to his patients, adopting a personalized approach to each case to ensure effective, high-quality care.

His work at GVM facilities, which boast cutting-edge technologies and a highly qualified medical team, allows Dr. Saltutti to offer comprehensive services ranging from early diagnosis to treatment and post-operative rehabilitation. His areas of specialization include, in addition to urological cancers, the treatment of prostate conditions, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, and male sexual dysfunction.

Thanks to his experience and passion for the medical profession, Dr. Carlo Saltutti is a reference point for patients seeking excellent urological care at the GVM group