1586 - Transurethral water vapour ablation for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Page last updated: 12 October 2022

Application Detail

Description of Medical Service

A minimally invasive transurethral procedure for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The Rezûm System uses radiofrequency current to create and convectively deliver thermal energy to ablate, coagulate and necrose prostate tissue to treat BPH. That is, the RF current is used to create the water vapour which then ablates the prostate. This procedure is different to other minimally invasive procedures currently available on the Medicare Benefits Schedule, in the way that heat is produced (water) and transferred (convection which means tissue is uniformly heated vs conduction).

Description of Medical Condition

BPH is one of the most common diseases of the prostate, characterised by an enlargement of the prostate causing the urethra to narrow and place pressure on the base of the bladder. Narrowing of the urethra can cause problems with the passing of urine in several ways. BPH is often associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) which in BPH may be obstructive (includes symptoms such as delay or straining when starting to pass urine, and slow flow of urine) or irritative (includes symptoms such as urgent or frequent urination during the day and night). Furthermore, LUTS associated with BPH are often accompanied by sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and ejaculatory problems. While not life-threatening, BPH can be detrimental to a patient’s quality of life. When symptoms of BPH increase in severity, surgical treatment will be considered. Surgical therapy of the prostate is indicated for patients with severe or high impact symptoms.

Reason for Application

New MBS item

Medical Service Type

Therapeutic

Previous Application Number/s

Not Applicable

Associated Documentation

Application Form

Application Form (PDF 1831 KB)
Application Form (Word 850 KB)

Consultation Survey

Consultation Survey (PDF 560 KB)
Consultation Survey (Word 70 KB)

PICO Confirmation

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Assessment Report

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Public Summary Document

Public Summary Document (PDF 802 KB)
Public Summary Document (Word 335 KB)

Meetings for this Application

PASC

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ESC

12 June 2020

MSAC

28-29 July 2020
28-29 July 2022