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