The British National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) announced plans to support the use of GreenLight XPS 180 W laser system for the treatment of non-high-risk benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But before taking a position, they are asking for opinions in a consultation that began Jan. 26.
The GreenLight XPS 180 W laser system is a technology manufactured by Boston Scientific. It is to be used for treatment of the prostate – a procedure where a laser vaporizes excess prostate tissue. The technique is meant to be used only in men with prostates smaller than 100 ml, without an increased risk of bleeding, and who don’t suffer urinary retention.
The manufacturer claims that benefits of the system include a faster return to normal activity following treatment. The procedure can be done in one day, reducing the time needed to stay in the hospital and is also stated to reduce pain, leading to a better quality of life. The method is cheaper than traditional transurethral resection of the prostate and is estimated to save £60 (approximately $86 U.S. dollars) per patient using the technique.
The technique has been provisionally recommended by the draft medical technology guidance in low-risk patients but further data collection is necessary before issuing a statement regarding the use of the technology in high-risk patients.
Prof. Carole Longson, director of the NICE Centre for Health Technology Evaluation, said in a press release: “This draft guidance on GreenLight XPS 180 W provisionally supports the use of this device for men with an enlarged prostate who don’t have high risk factors including increased risk of bleeding. The evidence examined by the independent Medical Technologies Advisory Committee indicates that using the device may benefit patients by needing a shorter hospital stay and quicker return to normal activities, and is also likely to benefit the NHS by saving money.
“There isn’t enough high quality evidence to make provisional recommendations on GreenLight’s use in treating enlarged prostates in men classed as high risk, so we propose that specialists collaborate to collect and publish data for these patients to improve the evidence base. We welcome comments on the draft guidance as part of this consultation,” Longson said.