HTA Details
Photoselective Vaporization for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Publication date
-
2013-August-01
- Status
- Final
- Topic Area
- Kidney, Liver and Urological
- Recommendation
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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.
- Ministry Response
-
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care endorses this recommendation.
-
To read the full OHTAC Recommendation Report for this topic, contact our Health Innovation team using the contact form to request a digital copy.
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.
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.
Supporting Documents
Last Updated: February 24, 2026
