NICE Recommends Olympus Medical's Transurethral Resection in Saline (TURis) System as the New Gold Standard for Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

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Olympus Medical

26 Feb, 2015, 08:30 GMT

SOUTHEND, England, February 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

NHS savings could equate to millions of pounds per year, whilst reducing risks leading to better patient outcomes.  

New guidance has been released today by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommending Olympus Medical's transurethral resection in saline (TURis)system for use in surgery to reduce the size of enlarged prostate glands in men. NICE published the guidance in light of the potential it offers NHS hospitals to realise substantial cost savings of £285-£375 per patient whilst also improving patient outcomes.[1]

NICE has concluded that the use of TURis for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for benign prostate enlargement (BPE) avoids the risk of transurethral resection (TUR) syndrome and reduces the need for blood transfusions.[1] TURis also demonstrated equivalent efficacy to monopolar systems - long considered the 'gold standard' for TURP.[1]

Additionally the Committee found that, as a result of using TURis, there is potential to reduce the length of hospital stay and its associated risks for each patient, as well as reducing hospital readmissions.[1] Not only may these benefits improve patient satisfaction and outcomes, but could also result in improved waiting list times, general health system efficiency and increased hospital revenue by switching to day-case procedures.[1]

Approximately 15,000 TURP procedures are carried out each year in England and Wales.[2] With potential savings of between £285 and £375 per patient, at least four million pounds could be saved per year by NHS implementation of the new NICE guidance.[1] BPE is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms, also known as LUTS, in men. Approximately 60 percent of men who are aged 60 or over have some degree of prostate enlargement and the percentage increases to 80-90 percent in those aged over 80.

Commenting on the NICE guidance, Mr Neil Barber, Urological Surgeon at Frimley Park Hospital, Surrey and a lead expert adviser for the TURis NICE consultation, said; "With an ageing population, treating this condition via surgery, which is required in approximately half of those experiencing problems, is a growing issue for our healthcare system. The new NICE guidelines should be welcomed by patients, surgeons and the NHS due to the improved patient outcomes, efficiencies and potential cost savings that the newly recommended TURis system provides."

On review of all evidence, NICE concluded the TURis system was of equivalent efficacy to the monopolar systems.[1] It noted the important clinical advantages of TURis are reducing the risk of TUR syndrome with the use of a saline irrigation fluid rather than glycine, which is traditionally used with monopolar TURP, and in reducing the need for blood transfusion.[1]

Gareth Walsh, Director of the Medical Systems Division at Olympus Medical said; "The TURis system provides an outstanding treatment option for benign prostatic enlargement with more than one million successful clinical cases proving its safety and efficacy. The TURis system provides benefits for patients and for the NHS without the need for radical changes in care pathways."

References 

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE medical technology guidance [MTG23]: The TURis system for transurethral resection of the prostate. Published: February 2015. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg23.  Accessed 25 February 2015
  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Medical technology guidance, SCOPE: The TURis system for transurethral resection of the prostate http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/gid-mt217/documents/the-turis-system-for-transurethral-resection-of-the-prostate-final-scope2. Accessed February 2015

NOTES TO EDITORS 

About benign prostate enlargement 

Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) is the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Around 60% of men who are aged 60 or over have some degree of prostate enlargement. The cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but it is thought to be linked to changes in hormone levels in a man's body due to ageing. BPE affects quality of life in around 40% of men in their fifties and 90% of men in their nineties.  

The enlarged prostate gland may press on the urethra and so can make passing urine more difficult. The condition doesn't pose other direct risks to health, but complications of a blocked urine tract include severe urinary tract infections, urinary retention or renal failure. Surgery is offered when problems passing urine are severe, or if drug treatment and conservative management options have been unsuccessful or are not appropriate.


About TURis 

The TURis bipolar resection system was launched in the UK in 2009. It differs from monopolar resection in that the tissue effect takes place between two electrodes that are part of the same device. The active and return electrodes are within the resectoscope, forming a bipolar electrosurgical system.

Through utilising the knowledge that impedance is lower in saline than in body tissue, the TURis bipolar current flows to the saline irrigation fluid, meaning only a very small fraction of the current passes through the tissue. Air bubbles are then created around the TURis electrode by the heat generated from the current flow. The electrode becomes covered by small bubbles, causing the TURis loop wire to be coated by an insulation layer. High frequency current is used to create a plasma corona around the electrode. After plasma ignition, cutting or vaporization can be performed.


About the NICE review of the TURis system 

NICE produced guidance on using the TURis system in the NHS in England after a public consultation by the NICE Medical Technologies Advisory Committee which considered the evidence submitted and the views of expert advisers.

For NICE consultation information visit http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/

About Olympus 

As a worldwide leading manufacturer of optical and digital precision technology, Olympus provides innovative solutions for state-of-the-art medical systems, digital cameras as well as scientific solutions in the fields of microscopy and industrial inspection. The company's award winning products are instrumental in detecting, preventing and healing illness, driving scientific research and documenting life with artistic freedom. In the hands of its customers, Olympus' high-tech products help to make people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling.

For more information about Olympus and working for the company go to http://www.olympus.co.uk

For questions or additional information, please contact:
Charlotte Cooper, Marketing Communications and Brand Manager
Olympus Medical, United Kingdom
Tel.: +44(0)1702-616333
Email: charlotte.cooper@olympus.co.uk