Authors' objectives:

TransUrethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) is one of several new minimally invasive thermal technologies for transurethral treatment of the prostate in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is designed to provide selective thermal ablation of the interstitial prostatic tissue. This report provides a systematic review of TUNA.

Authors' recommendations: Based on the evidence available, while safe and efficacious in the short term, the long term effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of TUNA has not been proven. MSAC therefore concludes that unrestricted Medicare Benefits Scheme funding of TUNA for the surgical management of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia is not warranted at this time. TUNA may, however, have a limited role as an alternative treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia with the following restrictions: - that it is restricted to men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms that require specific treatment (ie those who would normally be recommended for TURP); - that the patients must not be medically suitable for TURP; and - that interim funding for a period of three years is recommended, and that this funding be linked to the acquisition of data on the type of patients treated and

Authors' methods: Systematic review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.msac.gov.au/reports.htm

Year Published: 2002

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Australia

Organisation Name: Medical Services Advisory Committee

Contact Address: MSAC (MDP 107), GPO Box 9848, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia. Tel: +61 2 6289 6811; Fax: +61 2 6289 8799.

Contact Name: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Contact Email: msac.secretariat@health.gov.au

Copyright: Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)