Applications

1518 – Endoscopic non-contact (side-firing) visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Find out about the service or technology in this application and the medical condition it addresses. You can also view the application documents, the deadlines for providing consultation input and the outcome of the application when the MSAC process is complete.

  • Status Complete
  • Type New application
  • Pre-PASC consultation -
  • Pre-MSAC consultation -
  • Outcome Supported

Application details

Reason for application

Amendment to existing MBS items

Service or technology in this application

This MSAC application focuses on photoselective vaporisation (PVP) of the prostate using the GreenLight laser system, given it is the VLAP procedure most frequently performed in clinical practice in Australia for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Type: Therapeutic

Medical condition this application addresses

BPH is one of the most common diseases of the prostate, characterised by 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 (including symptoms such as delay or straining when starting to pass urine, and slow flow of urine) or irritative (including 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.

Application documents

Meetings to consider this application

  • PASC meeting: 12 - 13 April 2018
  • ESC meeting: 8 February 2019
  • MSAC meeting: 28 - 29 March 2019