Photoselective Vaporization for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee Recommendations

Photoselective laser vaporization for benign prostatic hyperplasia is an effective, safe, and cost-effective alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate and may be increasingly preferred because it can be performed in the outpatient setting, with less blood loss and a reduced need for hospital admission.
Appropriate diffusion of this technology will require training programs for urologists to develop the necessary skills to perform the procedure.

Read the full OHTAC Recommendation report

In older men, it is common for the prostate gland to grow larger. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia and can lead to trouble urinating: having to go too often, not being able to go, or not being able to empty the bladder completely. Treatment often involves surgery to remove part of the enlarged prostate. The surgery is called transurethral resection of the prostate.

Health Quality Ontario Reviews Photoselective Vaporization for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

A laser treatment called photoselective vaporization of the prostate can also be used to shrink the prostate. It is less expensive than surgery and does not require a hospital stay.

Photoselective Vaporization for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Evidence-Based Analysis (PDF)
August 2013

Related Resources

Energy Delivery Systems for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; An Evidence-Based Analysis (PDF)
August 2006

OHTAC Recommendation: Energy Delivery Systems for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (PDF)
August 2006

Use of this site, and the interpretation of the information contained here, is subject to important terms and conditions. Use of this site and information except in accordance with these terms and conditions is expressly prohibited.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care endorses this recommendation.

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has provided the following response: The Ministry agrees with this recommendation and encourages health care providers to consider using this procedure. The treatment of prostatic obstruction using surgery (either through transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP] or photoselective vaporization) is an insured service in Ontario. The Ministry is currently reviewing whether changes are needed to further promote use of this procedure instead of TURP.

Evidence to Improve Care