Rezūm System for enlarged prostate
Rezūm System treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using small, precise amounts of steam to shrink an enlarged prostate so it no longer causes urinary problems.
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What is it for?
Treating an enlarged prostate
Treatment overview
The prostate is a small gland, located in the pelvis in men, between the penis and the bladder. It often grows larger the older a man gets. As the prostate gets bigger, it may press on or partly block the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body (the urethra). This can lead to various urinary problems, including urinary tract infections.
Rezūm water vapour therapy is a modern, minimally invasive procedure for men with an enlarged prostate that can rapidly treat urinary problems and improve quality of life.
The treatment involves releasing precisely targeted steam into the prostate to shrink excess tissue that is pressing on the urethra.
At London Urologica, you will be thoroughly assessed by a world-class urologist to check your suitability for this type of treatment. The Rezūm System procedure will then be performed by one of our leading urology consultants.
The treatment usually takes around three to seven minutes and does not involve an overnight stay. An expert multidisciplinary team will also support you throughout the day of your procedure and during your recovery.
FAQ'S
The Rezūm System treatment is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that is used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
It does this by using precisely targeted steam to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing on the tube that allows urine to pass out of the body (the urethra).
This can help with the following problems:
• Reduced urine stream
• Frequently needing to urinate
• Leakage of urine
• Trouble starting to urinate
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder
• A urinary tract infection
Medication has long been the first option for treatment for an enlarged prostate. But in some cases, medication leads to patients experiencing problems with sexual function, dizziness and headaches.
In addition, many men do not want to undergo a surgical procedure such as TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) because of the risks associated with it.
These include not being able to ejaculate normally, problems getting or maintaining an erection, and weeing without meaning to.
As a result, the use of the Rezūm System can be a good alternative for some men.
Benefits of Rezūm water vapour therapy can include:
• Reduction of the risk of retrograde ejaculation (when semen enters the bladder instead of emerging through the penis during orgasm)
• Quick and painless procedure
• Minimal recovery time
• Rapid symptom relief, as early as two weeks after the procedure
• Preservation of sexual function and fertility
Treatment with the Rezūm System at London Urologica usually involves being admitted and discharged on the same day.
For the procedure itself, you will be sedated by a consultant anaesthetist with oral sedation or local anaesthetic. Typically, a general anaesthetic is not needed.
Your urology consultant will insert a narrow, flexible telescope into your urethra through the end of your penis. This allows the consultant to view the prostate and accurately target treatment.
Your consultant will then use a fine needle to inject small amounts of water vapour (steam) into the targeted prostate tissue. The water vapour immediately attacks the tissue, causing cells to die.
Over time, the body’s natural healing process removes the dead cells, causing your prostate to shrink in size.
The steam injections used last around nine seconds each. The number of injections needed will depend on the amount of prostate tissue that needs removing.
Our world-class urological consultants, anaesthetists and nursing staff work together to minimise risks and support safe recovery.
No significant dangers are associated with Rezūm System water vapour therapy, but the procedure can lead to some side effects. These include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Blood in the urine
- A weak ejaculation
- Urinary tract infection
- Blood in the semen
Your recovery will depend on your general health and wellbeing. But most people can return to normal activities within a few days.
Many men can pass urine naturally after the procedure, but patients will need to use a catheter at home for the first few days.