Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common health issue in men over 50 that negatively affects quality of life due to urinary symptoms. While traditional surgical methods have been successfully applied for years, there is a shift toward less invasive alternatives due to certain risks and side effects associated with these methods. Rezum is a modern, outpatient treatment method based on shrinking prostate tissue using water vapor (WTA - Water Vapor Thermal Therapy) energy.
What is Rezum?
Rezum is a minimally invasive treatment that destroys enlarged prostate tissue by delivering a controlled amount of sterile water vapor into the tissue via a small endoscopic device. The tissue destroyed through the body's natural healing processes is absorbed over time, reducing the obstruction in the urinary tract.
Working Principle
The device converts liquid water into water vapor in a very short time. During the treatment, a thin needle at the tip is inserted into the enlarged prostate tissue, and water vapor is delivered for approximately 9 seconds. The vapor spreads through the tissue, distributing into the spaces between cells, and causes prostate cell death through thermal energy. The procedure is repeated in several different areas to treat all enlarged regions of the prostate. In the following weeks, the body clears the dead tissue, and the prostate volume decreases.
In Which Conditions Is It Used?
Rezum treatment is primarily applied to men with symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Typical areas of use include:
- Frequent urination, nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)
- Difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted urine stream
- Straining to urinate, feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Recurrent urinary tract infections due to BPH
- Patients who do not respond sufficiently to medication or cannot tolerate medication side effects
- Men who wish to preserve their sexual function and avoid classic surgery
Advantages of Rezum Treatment
- It is an incision-free, outpatient procedure
- Can be performed under local anesthesia or light sedation in most patients
- Short procedure time (usually 10-15 minutes)
- Very low risk of negative impact on sexual function
- Ejaculatory function is largely preserved
- Risk of urinary incontinence is much lower compared to classic surgery
- Patient can be discharged home on the same day
- Early return to daily life and work
- Long-lasting relief; many patients do not require re-treatment for many years
Treatment Process
Before Rezum treatment, the patient is evaluated in detail. Examinations such as PSA level, uroflowmetry, ultrasound, and cystoscopy (if necessary) are performed to assess prostate size, urinary tract structure, and general health status. Once prostate cancer is ruled out, the procedure is planned if the patient is a suitable candidate.
Application Phase
During the procedure, the patient is placed in a supine position. Local anesthesia or light sedation is usually sufficient. The prostate tissue is visualized using a thin endoscope inserted through the urethra. The device's needle is placed into the enlarged prostate lobe, and water vapor is delivered for a controlled duration. The procedure is completed after application to the required number of points. Some patients may require a short-term urinary catheter.
Recovery Period
In the first few days, symptoms such as frequent urination, mild burning, and a small amount of blood in the urine may occur. These symptoms usually subside within a few weeks. Real improvement in symptoms becomes evident within 2-3 months as the dead tissue is absorbed by the body. Most patients report a significant improvement in quality of life by the 6th month.
Points to Consider
- Rezum may not be sufficient on its own for very large prostates; expert evaluation is essential
- Active urinary tract infections must be treated before the procedure
- Use of blood thinners should be managed according to physician recommendation
- Strenuous exercise, sexual intercourse, and excessive straining are not recommended in the early period
- Drinking plenty of water supports the healing process
- PSA levels and urinary symptoms should be monitored with regular check-ups
Difference of Rezum from Classic Surgery and Other Methods
The gold standard method for BPH treatment for many years has been TUR-P (transurethral resection of the prostate). While TUR-P is effective, it carries disadvantages such as hospitalization, catheter duration, bleeding, and negative effects on sexual function. Rezum provides results with efficacy close to the permanent solution offered by classic surgery while significantly reducing these drawbacks.
Compared to other minimally invasive methods such as Greenlight laser or HoLEP, Rezum offers an ideal alternative, especially for risky patients with comorbidities, due to its much shorter procedure time and the fact that it can usually be performed under light sedation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the effect appear? Relief usually begins within 2-4 weeks, with the most significant effect seen in 3-6 months.
- Is sexual function affected? Erection and ejaculation functions are largely preserved; this is one of the important advantages of Rezum.
- Is re-treatment necessary? Most patients do not need additional treatment for many years.
- Is a catheter inserted after the procedure? A temporary catheter is usually used for a few days.
Changes in Quality of Life After Rezum
The primary goal in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia is not only to relieve the obstruction but also to significantly improve the patient's daily quality of life. After Rezum treatment, patients typically report positive changes such as a decrease in frequent nighttime urination, relief in difficulty starting urination, and the preservation of sexual life.
Clinical studies show that there is a significant decrease in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) values after Rezum treatment and that this improvement lasts for years. The majority of patients are able to discontinue BPH medications. This improvement in quality of life directly and positively affects not only physical health but also sleep patterns, social life, and psychological well-being.
Rezum Treatment at Koru Hospital
As Koru Hospital, we offer Rezum water vapor therapy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia to our patients with our experienced urology team. With our modern urology infrastructure, patient-specific treatment planning, and an approach that prioritizes sexual health and quality of life, we aim to provide contemporary treatment options for our male patients who want to get rid of BPH symptoms in a safe and non-surgical manner.
