Press Release
05.03.2008
New laser vaporises prostate tissue more effectively
Patients with large prostates benefit the most from this very modern laser procedure
Cologne/ Jena, March 05, 2008 – Since January of this year, the Westdeutsche Prostatazentrum in Cologne has been using an ultramodern laser to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. LIFE™ laser therapy using the Evolve™ 150 diode laser is a further development of GreenLight laser therapy. The high power of the new laser of 150 watts makes it possible to remove prostate tissue faster and more effectively. The innovative method is also suitable for patients with a large prostate.
Constant urination, weak flow and uncomfortable dribbling – what for many men is a nightmare can usually be traced to benign enlargement of the prostate. It affects almost one out of every two men over the age of 50, and therefore is one of the most frequent illnesses in men. In what is called "benign prostate hyperplasia" (BPH), the glandular tissue of the prostate grows near the urethra. Urine flow decreases due to the constriction of the urethra, with residual urine sometimes left behind in the bladder. This in turn can result in painful inflammation and the formation of bladder stones.
GreenLight laser therapy has been available for many years as a minimally invasive method through which excess prostate tissue can be carefully and bloodlessly vaporised. Whereas laser therapy is already being carried out at many clinics using green light, the Westdeutsche Prostatazentrum can now provide another laser technology, the so-called LIFE™ laser therapy with its Evolve™ 150 diode laser system by biolitec AG.
"The removal of benign prostate tissue is precision work“, explains Dr. Stephan Neubauer, urologist at the Westdeutschen Prostatazentrum. "With the Evolve™ diode laser and its power of 150 watts and a wavelength of 980nm, we can now work even more precisely and effectively than with the GreenLight laser.“ The disruptive tissue is vaporised while the sensitive surrounding tissue is protected.
An essential advantage is the high wattage of the diode laser, and the associated high vaporisation effect. "Thus, even patients with a large prostate that in the past was treated through classical resection (TURP) methods can be treated using the innovative laser therapy", emphasized the Cologne urologist. Other plusses: The treatment duration is shorter overall, making gentle anaesthesia possible, which puts less of a burden on the cardiovascular system. Also, the Evolve™ laser can be used for gentle treatment of urethral stenoses. The principle is simple: The diode laser is inserted into the urethra under anaesthesia. The urologist can precisely remove tissue layer-by-layer using the endoscope and safely monitor the process via the screen. In a medium that contains water and blood – which is precisely what the prostate tissue contains –, the laser operates optimally at a wavelength of 980 nm.
"Using the new laser technology, it is possible to both gently remove tissue and at the same time avoid bleeding“, according to Dr. Neubauer. The treatment lasts 40 minutes on average and is done under general or spinal anaesthesia. A urethral catheter is generally left in over night, thereby reducing the usual clinic stay of one week to two days. Even an out-patient treatment is possible. Patients can resume their usual activities the day after the procedure, but they should avoid heavy loads such as lifting, pressing and carrying.
Westdeutsche Prostatazentrum in Cologne
The Westdeutsche Prostatazentrum in Cologne offers the entire spectrum of diagnoses, therapies and after-care for prostate illnesses. The combination of experienced specialists under one roof makes it possible to provide the highest level of care to patients. For more information, go to www.westdeutschesprostatazentrum.de.
Press Contact: Andrea Hertlein Tel.: 0221 / 924 24 455, Fax: 0221 / 924 24 460, E-Mail: a.hertlein@wpz-koeln.de
biolitec AG
biolitec is the only supplier for photodynamic therapy worldwide that offers all relevant core competencies – photosensitizers, lasers, optical fibers and a drug with Temoporfin® as the active ingredient that is licensed for use in Europe. 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.de.
