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

New MBS item.

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).

Type: Therapeutic

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.

• PASC meeting: -
• ESC meeting: 12 June 2020
• MSAC meeting: 
  • 28 to 29 July 2020
  • 28-29 July 2022