Lumenis Ltd., a global developer, manufacturer and seller of laser, light-based and radiofrequency devices for surgical, aesthetic, and ophthalmic applications announced today the publication of a long term study of the Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) procedure that shows durable clinical outcomes with low complication and reoperation rates, surpassing the current gold standard of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP).

The article entitled, "Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Long-Term Durability of Clinical Outcomes and Complication Rates During 10 Years of Follow up" appears in the November 2011 issue of the Journal of Urology, written by Doctors Hazem M. Elmansy, Ahmed Kotb and Mostafa M. Elhilali from the Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

"Reoperation rates continue to be the Achilles tendon of less invasive BPH procedures," stated Dr.Mostafa Elhilali, Chair, Department of Surgery, McGill University. "With less than a 1% reoperation rate over 10 years of patient follow up, the clinical evidence continues to prove that HoLEP provides BPH patients with excellent long term results."

The retrospective study tracks almost 1,000 patients from a single center that were treated with holmium laser enucleation over a 12-year period. The study concludes that HoLEP is an effective treatment modality with low complication rate. Reoperation rate is 0.7% at 10-year follow up compared to that of TURP at 10% to 16%(1)

HoLEP is the most rigorously studied surgical treatment for management of symptomatic BPH. Other studies that compared HoLEP to TURP, open prostatectomy, and photoselective vaporization of the prostate, have found HoLEP has superior outcomes(2). In the same issue of the Journal of Urology, Dr. James Lingeman points out that the HoLEP procedure has a learning curve equal to TURP. In his article titled, ‘Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate—If Not Now, When?’ he states, "This learning curve is comparable to that of TURP and would certainly not seem insurmountable for the trainee if the technique were more prevalent at training institutions." He also states that residents become comfortable with HoLEP after 20-30 cases, which is similar to TURP.

"We are proud to offer a system with continually proven results and that provides improved patient outcomes," stated Dov Ofer, CEO. "In an effort to aid adoption in the US, we are renewing our focus in 2012 on supporting educational initiatives for the HoLEP procedure. This way we can insure urologists will be able to offer to their patients the emerging new gold standard BPH treatment worldwide."

About the VersaPulse Holmium Laser
VersaPulse PowerSuite is best known for its urologic applications treating BPH, stones, tumors or strictures. Featuring extensive clinical evidence, the HoLAP and HoLEP procedures have over 14 randomized controlled trials, and the AUA and EAU support them as first line treatment options(3). Proven results span more than 10 years. These comprehensive studies show that the holmium laser is ideal for treating BPH with comparative side effects and improved outcomes when compared with TURP and other laser treatments.

The VersaPulse can treat urinary calculi allowing the surgeon to streamline treatment, eliminating potential roadblocks during surgery. It is also FDA cleared to treat a range of applications in other surgical fields, making it not only versatile but a good economic choice. www.surgical.lumenis.com/versapulse

About Lumenis
Lumenis, the world's largest medical laser company, is a global developer, manufacturer and distributor of laser and light-based devices for surgical, ophthalmic and aesthetic applications, with more than 800 employees worldwide. Lumenis has nearly 250 patents, over 75 FDA clearances, an installed base of over 80,000 systems and presence in over 100 countries. Lumenis endeavors to bring the finest state of the art technology products to the market, fulfilling the highest standards of excellence, quality and reliability, delivering premium value and service to its customers. The name Lumenis is derived from the Latin words meaning "Light of Life" highlighting the light, which is the basis of our technologies used to enhance life. For more information about Lumenis and its products, please visit: www.lumenis.com

For further information contact:
Michelle Maydan
Director of Corporate Communications
1-866-569-0597
+972-4-959-9004
e-mail: mmaydan@lumenis.com

Lumenis® and its logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Lumenis Ltd. and its affiliated companies.

(1) Laser therapy for enlarged prostate has long-lasting benefits: Montreal study. By Anne-marie Tobin, The Canadian Press. May 19, 2011. www.kelownadailycourier.ca, http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/333/342/1400774.html
(2) Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate – If Not Now, When? J. Urol 2011; 186, 1762
(3) AUA guidelines for BPH, 2003 - http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/bph-management/chapt_1_appendix.pdf; EAU guidelines for BPH, 2005 - http://www.uroweb.org/fileadmin/tx_eauguidelines/2009/Pocket/BPH.pdf; New ureteral stone guidelines reflect treatment changes - Urology Times, Jan 2008, Vol. 36, No. 1