Referral

Rezum (Steam Treatment) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Following news media coverage of Rezum, the steam treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) recently approved by NICE, there have been enquiries from patients as to whether it is available locally. In anticipation that GPs are receiving similar requests, the statement below clarifies the local position.

Rezum has been given approval by NICE under the IPG programme (Interventional Procedures Guidance). This means it is thought at this early stage that it is safe, and may compare favourably with other procedures for the prostate. This is different from being recommended, for example, via a TAG (Technology Appraisal Guideline) which would mean that it becomes a treatment standard that the system is obliged to provide.

There are currently no providers offering Rezum (steam treatment) in Devon. The treatment is not commissioned for patients served by NEW Devon CCG or by SD&T CCG.

The CCGs are gathering evidence to help decide whether and/or how to commission this or other new treatments for BPH such as Prostate Artery Embolisation or Greenlight XPS and the outcome of this will be shared in due course.

Until further guidance on these treatments is produced, we recommend following the existing guidance in the LUTS CRG published on this site.

Published: 19 October 2018