Health technology assessment (HTA) of prostatic urethral lift (PUL) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the Italian context
Abstract
Abstract Background: Health technology assessment (HTA) is a process evaluating various aspects of healthcare technologies to support evidence-based decisions. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition among aging men, significantly affecting QoL. Traditional treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and Holmium Laser Enucleation (HoLEP) are effective but often associated with complications and sexual dysfunction. The Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) system (UroLift) offers a minimally invasive alternative, preserving sexual function and ensuring faster recovery. Methods: Using the EUnetHTA Core Model 3.0, UroLift was evaluated across nine domains, combining a systematic review of literature, expert consultation, and real-world evidence. A Budget Impact Model (BIM) simulated treatment pathways over five years, comparing UroLift with TURP and HoLEP. Results: As the analysis shows, despite the higher initial acquisition cost, UroLift generates savings for the NHS in all the years considered within the analysis. Specifically, savings are derived from the lower incidence of adverse events and complications, both post-operative and in the long term, implying lower inpatient costs and less use of human resources. As anticipated, savings begin in the first year with a differential between the two scenarios considered at 57,747.40 and peak in the fifth year with savings of approximately €1.35 million, for a total estimated savings over the considered…
Read the paper
Related studies
- Treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: facing age-related comorbidities and drug–drug interactions
- The Efficacy of Flogofilm® in the Treatment of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis as an Adjuvant to Antibiotic Therapy: A Randomized Prospective Trial
- Inhibition of growth and contraction in human prostate stromal cells by silencing of NUAK1 and -2, and by the presumed NUAK inhibitors HTH01-015 and WZ4003
- Effectiveness and Safety of a New Nutrient Fixed Combination Containing Pollen Extract Plus Teupolioside, in the Management of LUTS in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: A Pilot Study
- Extract from Cucurbita pepo improves BPH symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study
- Aquablation vs. holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 150-patients prospective comparative multicenter study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.