The approval of the inclusion of Laser Photovaporization of the Prostate in the List of ANS Procedures, making its coverage mandatory by medical plans, creates the need for greater awareness of the benefits that the different treatment methods offer to patients suffering from BPH with indications for surgery for an appropriate choice.
In a decision of significant importance for the panorama of integrative healthcare, Approved by the ANSin July 2023, the inclusion of Laser Photovaporization of the Prostate (FVP) in the List of Health Procedures and Events. This provision, which came into force in August of the same year, implies mandatory coverage by health plans of this innovative treatment procedure for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The proposal to update the Role was prepared by the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU), which conducted a comparative study between laser photovaporization of the prostate (FVP) and endoscopic resection of the prostate (TURP), a previously available gold standard technology. The focus of the comparison was on peri- and postoperative complications, as well as the risk of bleeding. According to the analysis presented by the SBU, the justification for incorporating FVP into the List is based on various scientific evidence highlighting the following potential benefits over TURP:
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Faster patient recovery with less consumption of post-procedure supplies
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FVP is more convenient than TURP, as it generates savings for payment sources
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Lower incidence of severe bleeding and hemorrhage, especially in high-risk patients (use of oral anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents)
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Shorter catheterization times and consumption of hospital supplies.
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Less need for transfusions
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Shorter post-procedure hospital stay
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Lower occupancy of intensive care beds
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Less need for reoperations
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IPSS, SHIM and Qmax scores (symptom score parameters and urinary flow intensity)
Dr. Flávio Haruyo Iizuka, urologist from São Paulo and director of the Iizuka Medical Clinic, emphasizes that “there is a consensus among experts that laser photovaporization of the prostate is the best surgical treatment alternative for the group of patients who have anticoagulants or who have clotting disorders”, due to its greater safety and lower risk of bleeding requiring blood transfusions. The availability of equipment for the procedure, according to the SBU’s proposal, already exists in Brazil through green lasers with power up to 180 W, with an installed base in 40 centers in all regions of Brazil and in the main capitals.
Dr. Iizuka explains that BPH is a very common condition and that surgical treatment is usually appropriate for very symptomatic men who do not respond adequately to drug treatment, who have worsening kidney function, or who suffer from bladder stones, infections recurring urination, urinary retention or bleeding in the urine. In this context, according to the specialist, with the availability of at least two surgical alternatives, FVP and TURP, covered by health plans, greater awareness of the differences in methods is necessary for a choice suited to the patient’s needs.
Website: http://www.clinicaiizuka.com.br
Source: Terra
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