What Is Rezum Therapy?

What Is Rezum Therapy?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and the Role of Rezum

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, commonly seen in aging men. It affects approximately 40% of men in their 50s, and up to 90% of men aged 90 and above.

As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra and block the flow of urine, leading to symptoms such as:

• Frequent urination
• Weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Incomplete bladder emptying

These urinary symptoms can significantly impair a man's quality of life.

Treatment Options for BPH

Treatment strategies for BPH include:

• Lifestyle modifications
• Medication therapy
• Surgical interventions

Why Consider Surgical Treatment?

Although medications are usually the first-line treatment, they may become less effective over time. Some patients also prefer not to rely on lifelong drug therapy. In such cases, surgical options are considered.

Common surgical treatments include:

• TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)
• Laser procedures (e.g., HoLEP, ThuLEP)
• Rezum Water Vapor Therapy

TURP is a standard surgical method but may cause side effects such as:

• Retrograde ejaculation (semen flows backward into the bladder)
• Bleeding, sometimes requiring blood transfusion
• Need for general or spinal anesthesia
• Hospital stay of approximately 2 days

What Is Rezum Therapy?

Rezum is a minimally invasive water vapor therapy developed as an alternative to traditional prostate surgery. It uses radiofrequency energy to create steam, which is then delivered directly into the prostate tissue to shrink it.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015, Rezum has become an increasingly popular treatment option worldwide.

Advantages of Rezum Therapy

Can be performed under local anesthesia (ideal for high-risk patients)
No need to stop blood thinners (suitable for patients with heart conditions)
Minimally invasive, fast, and highly effective
Can treat central zones and/or median lobes of the prostate
Clinically proven safety and efficacy
Minimal risk of sexual or urinary dysfunction
Same-day discharge with a quick return to normal activities

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rezum Therapy?

Rezum may be suitable for:

• Patients who wish to stop taking BPH medications
• Men who prefer non-surgical or less invasive alternatives
• Patients whose symptoms are not severe enough for traditional surgery but significantly affect quality of life

When Is Rezum Therapy Appropriate?

Rezum is most effective in patients with:

• Prostate volumes between 30 cm³ and 80 cm³
• Enlarged central zones and/or median lobe involvement