Rezum Water Vapour Therapy
What is Rezum water vapour therapy?
Rezum water vapour therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. The treatment uses controlled doses of steam to target and shrink excess prostate tissue. As the treated tissue gradually shrinks over the following weeks, pressure on the urethra is reduced and urine flow improves. Rezum aims to relieve symptoms while preserving sexual function for many men.
Why is it needed?
Rezum therapy may be recommended for individuals with moderate to severe urinary symptoms such as weak urine flow, urinary frequency, urgency or waking at night to urinate. It is considered when medications are ineffective, cause unacceptable side effects or are unsuitable.
The procedure appeals to those who prefer a minimally invasive option with a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery. It may also be chosen by men wishing to reduce the risk of side effects, including erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, which are more common after more invasive operations.
What happens during the procedure?
Rezum therapy is usually performed under local anaesthetic with sedation, although general anaesthesia may be used in some cases. A specialised device is passed through the urethra into the prostate. Controlled amounts of steam are then delivered directly into the obstructing prostate tissue.
The steam causes the targeted cells to die and shrink gradually over the following weeks. The procedure typically takes ten to fifteen minutes. A urinary catheter is often left in place for a few days to allow the prostate to heal and to help with bladder drainage. Most people go home the same day.
What are the alternatives?
Several alternatives may be considered depending on symptoms, prostate size and personal preference. Medications such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may provide relief for some individuals.
Surgical options include transurethral resection of the prostate, GreenLight laser vaporisation and UroLift implants for selected patients. For very large prostates, open or robotic simple prostatectomy may be appropriate. Observation may be suitable if symptoms are mild or manageable.
Potential risks and after effects
Rezum therapy is generally safe, but some temporary effects are common. Burning or discomfort during urination is frequently experienced for one to two weeks. Blood in the urine or semen may occur and usually resolves within days to weeks.
A temporary worsening of urinary symptoms is common during the early weeks before improvement begins. Urinary tract infections may occur and require antibiotics. Some men may have temporary difficulty passing urine and need a catheter for several days. Erectile dysfunction is rare. Retrograde ejaculation occurs far less often than with traditional procedures.
Around ten to fifteen percent of men may require further treatment within five years. Most men notice a significant improvement in symptoms after six to twelve weeks.
After the procedure
Most patients return home the same day with a catheter in place for a short period. Mild discomfort, urinary frequency or urgency can occur for several weeks as healing progresses. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush the bladder and reduce irritation.
Activities such as heavy lifting, vigorous exercise and sexual activity should be avoided for two to four weeks. Pain relief can be taken if needed for burning or discomfort during urination.
Follow-up care
A follow-up appointment is usually arranged within four to six weeks to assess recovery and symptom improvement. Additional reviews at three to six months help ensure that maximum benefit is achieved.
If symptoms recur, further treatment or alternative procedures may be considered. Long-term monitoring of urinary health is recommended to support continued well-being.
Personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs
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