Benign prostatic hyperplasia

• AAC Innovation Programmes The MedTech Funding Mandate

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a term used to describe an enlarged prostate, a gland that surrounds the urethra. Excess prostate tissue can affect the flow of urine, making it difficult to empty the bladder, which can cause urinary tract infections and frequent urination.

Invasive surgery to correct this obstruction carries risks, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. The four technologies selected for the MedTech Funding Mandate (MTFM) offer alternatives that are minimally invasive and reduce the risk of complications.

Project overview

The four innovations supported by the MTFM give patients access to a suite of technologies supported by NICE guidance that are minimally invasive and improve quality of life.

Urolift is an implant used to hold the enlarged prostate away from the urethra, relieving symptoms such as difficulty urinating. The procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic and patients can return home the same day. NICE guidance MTG58.

Greenlight XPS uses a laser fibre to vaporise excess tissue, reducing the size of the enlarged prostate, and easing symptoms associated with BPH. The treatment can be done as a day-case procedure and allows patients to return to normal day-to-day activities sooner. NICE guidance MTG29.

Rezum uses steam, directed at obstructive prostate tissue, to relieve pressure on the urethra, and treat BPH. The procedure is minimally invasive, improves quality of life and can be performed as a day-case procedure. NICE guidance MTG49.

The PLASMA system uses electrodes to remove excess prostate tissue whilst simultaneously stopping local bleeding and reducing the risk of serious complications. PLASMA also reduces the length of hospital stay. NICE guidance MTG53.

Our aim is to support providers to secure funding for the on-going use of these technologies through the MedTech Funding Mandate policy or expand their offer to patients.