Australian Government - Department of Health and Ageing

Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC)

Application 1115

Sacral Nerve Stimulation for Urinary Indications

Application No

1115

Application NameSacral Nerve Stimulation for Urinary Indications
Advisory PanelDr Ray Kirk
Chair
Ms Sheila Rimmer
MSAC member
Mr Barry Cahill
Consumers’ Health Forum nominee
Dr Marcus Patrick Carey
Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists nominee
Associate Professor Richard Millard
Royal Australian College of Surgeons nominee
Dr John William Bolt
Australia and New Zealand Urological Surgeons nominee
Date Received by MSAC Secretariat5 March 2007
Stage 1 - EligibilityEligible
Stage 2 - AssessmentCompleted
Stage 3 - Formulation of Advice to the MinisterMSAC has considered the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation for urinary indications compared with clinical non-surgical management.

MSAC finds there is evidence for the safety of sacral nerve stimulation in adults with detrusor overactivity, non-obstructive urinary retention and painful bladder syndrome refractory to conservative, non-surgical intervention.

MSAC finds sacral nerve stimulation in adults with detrusor overactivity and non-obstructive urinary retention refractory to conservative, non-surgical intervention is more expensive than, but more effective than clinical non-surgical management.

MSAC finds there is insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation in adults with painful bladder syndrome refractory to conservative, non-surgical intervention.

MSAC recognises the social and quality of life issues associated with these conditions.

MSAC advises that public funding should be supported for the procedure of sacral nerve stimulation in adults with detrusor overactivity and non-obstructive urinary retention refractory to conservative, non-surgical intervention.

MSAC advises that public funding should not be supported for the use of sacral neve stimulation for treatment of patients with painful bladder syndrome.
Stage 4 - Decision
Noting of MSAC advice by the Minister does not constitute a final decision in relation to the provision of public funding.
MSAC considered this assessment on 28 November 2008.
The Minister noted MSAC's advice on 8 December 2008.
Stage 5 - ImplementationIn Progress