Lumenis Launches Next-Generation MOSES™ 2.0 Holmium Laser Technology.
Your prostate is a part of the reproductive system, responsible for the production and supply of prostate fluid and hormones, which are part of the components of semen. In young adults, it is relatively small, about the size and shape of a walnut, and is located just below the bladder neck.
As a result of natural hormonal changes, the prostate begins to grow during the mid-30’s and onwards. When the prostate becomes enlarged, usually at the age of 50, it might press against the urethra and block urine flow. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.
The procedure
Holmium laser prostate surgery is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate. Also called holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), the procedure uses a laser to remove tissue that is blocking urine flow through the prostate. A separate instrument is then used to cut the prostate tissue into easily removable fragments.
HoLEP is similar to open prostate surgery but requires no incisions. HoLEP removes the entire portion of the prostate that can block urine flow. It can be an option to treat a severely enlarged prostate.
The treatment provides a lasting solution for an enlarged prostate — a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). HoLEP also preserves removed tissue so that it can be examined in the laboratory for other conditions, including prostate cancer.
As with other types of prostate laser surgery, HoLEP can offer faster recovery and symptom relief compared with traditional prostate surgery. Rarely, re-treatment with HoLEP may be needed for urinary symptoms.
During HoLEP, which is performed under either general or local anesthesia, your doctor will insert a thin tube into the urethra.
Through this tube passes a special thin camera and a flexible Holmium laser fiber. The camera allows your doctor to see the prostate and bladder as well as guide the treatment procedure.
Using the fiber, your doctor will deliver a high energy Holmium.
Thanks to the HoLEP procedure’s high efficacy, patients typically go home the next day. You may experience some bleeding in the urine, which should clear within 12 hours.
In order to drain the remaining enucleated tissue, a post-operative catheter would be placed for up to 24 hours after the surgery. Following the procedure, you will feel immediate alleviation of your BPH symptoms, and an improvement in your quality of life.
You will be able to quickly return to your daily routine, without any pain or discomfort.
How is Moses HoLEP better?
HoLEP offers a quick, effective return to normal urinary function. Compared to the other surgical treatment modality, HoLEP provides many benefits:
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No incisions
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1 day hospital stay
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1 week recovery
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Less than 24-hour catheter use in most patients
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Minimal pain and swelling
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Fewer complications
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Protects surrounding healthy tissue
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Long-term relief: least retreatment rate amongst all surgical procedures for BPH
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Lower risk of erectile dysfunction
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Preserves tissue for lab testing – biopsies are superior to other prostate cancer screening methods
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Can be performed on any size prostate gland: It is now considered new size-independent Gold Standard.
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PSA counts generally drop to very low levels after Moses HoLEP
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Covered by most insurance companies