Neustadt an der Aisch/ Jena, May 13, 2008 – The in-patient urology unit at the Neustadt an der Aisch hospital, under the directorship of Dr. Jörg Berfelde and Dr. Joachim Schubert, is the first of its kind in Middle Franconia to offer a new, gentle form of laser therapy to patients suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia (also known as BPH or benign prostate enlargement). LIFE™ laser therapy with the Evolve™ 150 urology laser is an innovative procedure for treating the common male problem of prostate enlargement. Manufactured by the Jena-based medical technology company, biolitec AG, the laser allows BPH to be treated for the first time without costly and time-consuming operations and with little risk of side effects. This makes the local hospital one of the first treatment centers in Germany, now having a dedicated, state-of-the art device for the treatment of BPH.

Since the start of this year, in-patient treatment with the Evolve™ 150 urology laser is covered by statutory health insurance providers. This has paved the way for hundreds of thousands of patients with statutory insurance to benefit from 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 30 to 45 minutes (depending on the volume of tissue 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 means that patients spend less time in hospital, while doctors spend less time on after-care. In addition, the risk of impotence and incontinence is substantially reduced.

"There are many advantages to working with the laser", explains urology specialist Dr. Jörg Berfelde. "We benefit from both the excellent performance level and the compact design 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," he adds. "Our patients ultimately benefit from the time we save." The current demographic trend – a good half of all men over 60 and almost all over 80 suffer from benign prostate enlargement – suggests that instances of the illness will continue to increase. Therefore, increasing patient demand for the new, gentler laser therapy can also be expected. The stated, long-term objective of Dr. Berfelde and Dr. Schubert is to establish and develop the clinic in Neustadt as a regional center for innovation, to stand alongside the many other LIFE™ laser centers that have been set up throughout Germany.

 

About the group practice/in-patient unit at the Neustadt/Aisch hospital

The in-patient unit under Dr. Berfelde and Dr. Schubert at the hospital in Neustadt provides in-patient care. The urology department has 20 beds and an intensive care unit, and is staffed by nurses with special training in urology. The urology department can also deal with emergencies that arise outside of practice hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. Ward rounds also take place over the weekend. For more information, visit www.krankenhaus-nea.de and www.uronea.de.

 

About 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 on the LIFE™ Laser, refer to www. biolitec.com.

 

Press Contact

Jörn Gleisner, Tel.: +49 (0) 69 / 959083-11, Fax : +49 (0) 69 / 959083-99; E-mail: joern.gleisner@biolitec.com