Press Release
02.04.2008
Klinikum Mansfelder Land & Pflege gGmbH: New laser vaporizes prostate tissue even more effectively
Now the innovative LIFE™ laser therapy for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is also available at the Klinikum Mansfelder Land & Pflege gGmbH – For the first time, prostate tissue can be gently removed without secondary bleeding – The therapy enables short treatment durations, quick recovery and only slight post-operative risks – Since January 1, 2008, in-patient treatment is reimbursed by statutory health insurance providers
Eisleben/ Jena, April 2, 2008 – The Urology Clinic at the Klinikum Mansfelder Land & Pflege gGmbH in Eisleben, headed up by Henry Meffert, MD, is offering patients suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) a new, gentler laser therapy – the so-called LIFE™ laser therapy with the Evolve™ 150 urology laser. The innovative method for treating the widespread male disease "prostate enlargement" – manufactured by the Jena medical technology company biolitec AG – is, for the first time, enabling BPH treatments without time-consuming operations and anaesthesia, and with little risk of side effects. This makes the local hospital one of the first treatment centers in Germany, now having a state-of-the art, special device in the BPH therapy area.
Since the turn of the year, in-patient care with the Evolve™ 150 urology laser is being reimbursed by the statutory health insurance providers so that an initial foundation has been laid for hundreds of thousands of statutorily insured patients to get help with the new, gentler laser therapy without having to pay extra. The high-performance, 150 watt laser used enables prostate tissue to be removed efficiently in just 15 to 30 minutes (depending on the volume of tissue that needs to be removed) while at the same time avoiding secondary bleeding. This means that, for the first time, patients taking anticoagulant medication can also be treated. The reduction in stress and side effects shortens stays in the clinic and cuts the length of time doctors need to spend on after-care, while the risk of impotence and incontinence is substantially reduced.
"Working with the new laser gives us a number of advantages," explains urologist Henry Meffert, MD, Head of the Urology Clinic at the Klinikum Mansfelder Land & Pflege gGmbH. "We benefit from both the excellent performance level and the small footprint of the new device. It's portable and can be used in different operating rooms, so we have more flexibility in terms of planning occupancy and can work more efficiently," added the doctor. "This time saving then benefits our patients."
The current demographic trend – a good 50 per cent of all men over 60 and almost every 80-year old suffers from benign prostate enlargement – suggests that instances of the illness will continue to increase. Therefore patients are expected to express an increasing demand for the gentler new laser therapy. Dr. Meffert's stated, long-term objective is to establish and develop the Urology Clinic in Eisleben – like the many other LIFE™ laser centers that have been set up throughout Germany - as a regional center for innovation.
Klinikum Mansfelder Land & Pflege gGmbH Eisleben
The Urology Clinic at the Klinikum Mansfelder Land & Pflege gGmbH in Eisleben offers high-tech options for diagnosing and treating the male and female urogenital tract. A large part of the clinic's range of services are dedicated to treating malignant diseases. Great emphasis is placed on standardised, guideline-based procedures and modern, minimally invasive surgery techniques. It specialises in primary and secondary care, modern stone therapy including ESWL, special tumor surgery and urogynecology.
About biolitec
biolitec is the only supplier for photodynamic therapy worldwide that offers all relevant core competencies – photosensitizers, lasers and optical fibers. Besides minimal invasive laser treatments and the oncology business biolitec has successfully developed competencies in the field of aesthetics. biolitec is listed in the Prime Standard under ISIN DE0005213409. For more information: www.biolitec.com.