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Rezūm therapy is a modern and gentle procedure for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). The targeted and controlled release of vaporized water reduces the volume of obstructive glandular tissue that constricts the urethra. This noticeably improves the flow of urine and effectively alleviates symptoms. The procedure is a safe and effective alternative to drug therapy for BPH with no major side effects.
In Rezūm therapy, vaporized water at 103 °C is injected directly into the prostate tissue. To do this, the urologist carefully inserts a very thin endoscope with an integrated camera into the urethra under anesthesia. Using a fine needle, several short and optimally dosed bursts of steam are applied to different parts of the prostate. The applied steam is distributed quickly and evenly in the enlarged tissue areas. Condensation of the steam releases stored heat energy and destroys unwanted glandular tissue. In the course of the body's own healing process, the treated tissue is resorbed. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis under a short general anaesthetic or, in individual cases, under local anaesthetic. After the treatment, patients receive a urethral catheter, which can be removed after a few days.
Most patients experience noticeable relief of symptoms within two weeks. The full success of the therapy usually becomes apparent after three months at the latest.
The therapy is primarily aimed at patients with moderate symptoms who are looking for an effective alternative to permanent drug treatment for BPH. Younger men also benefit from Rezūm therapy, as it preserves ejaculatory function and therefore does not impair fertility. In addition, water vaporization is a good option for patients with an increased risk of anaesthesia or for men who are taking blood-thinning medication, as the procedure only takes 5 to 10 minutes and only requires a short anaesthesia (local anaesthetic in some cases).
However, patients with very pronounced symptoms, such as repeated urinary retention or a very enlarged prostate, require a surgical procedure such as diode laser therapy or holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP).
Advantages at a glance
- Short and gentle procedure (5 - 10 min)
- Short anesthesia (local anesthesia in individual cases)
- Outpatient procedure (short inpatient treatment in individual cases)
- Preservation of ejaculatory function (desire to have children)
- Safe when taking blood-thinning medication
- Effective alternative to long-term medication
