NICE Approves New Minimally Invasive Steam
Ablation Treatment for Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia

Today NICE have announced that current evidence on the safety and efficacy of transurethral water vapour ablation for urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia is adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that standard arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.

NICE has said this procedure works well for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. There are no serious concerns about its safety. It can be used for people with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It can block or narrow the urethra (the tube that urine passes through to leave the body), causing problems with passing urine. During this procedure, heated water vapour is injected into the prostate using a probe that is passed up the urethra. The heat from the vapour destroys some of the prostate tissue, reducing its size.

NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more. NICE’s information on
interventional procedures guidance has more about what a procedure is and how NICE assess them.

To find out more click here