Rezūm Treatment for BPH

Rezūm is a treatment for BPH which can be performed in a clinic or out-patient setting. Rezūm uses the stored thermal energy in water vapor (steam) to treat the extra prostate tissue that is causing symptoms such as frequency, urgency, irregular flow, weak stream, straining and getting up at night to urinate.

How Does Rezūm Work

Inside a hand-held device, radiofrequency energy is applied to a few drops of water to create vapor (steam). The water vapor is injected into the prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine from the bladder, where it immediately turns back to water, releasing the energy stored in the vapor into the cell membranes. At this point, the cells are gently and immediately damaged, causing cell death. Over time, your body will absorb the treated tissue through its natural healing response.

Rezūm Benefits

Rezūm provides the following benefits:

  • Potential alternative to BPH medications
  • Relieves symptoms safely and effectively1
  • Provides noticeable symptom improvement within two weeks1
  • Simple in-office/out-patient therapy
  • Does not require general anesthesia
  • Preserves sexual and urinary functions1
  • Allows patients to return to regular activities within a few days1

 

Rezūm Side Effects

Rezūm has been proven to reduce urinary symptoms for many men who have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As a minimally invasive procedure, Rezūm has demonstrated fewer side effects compared to those typically seen with surgical therapies, but as with any interventional procedure, some of the following side effects may temporarily occur:

  • Painful urination
  • Blood in urine
  • Blood in semen
  • Frequent urination
  • Inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder
  • Need for short-term catheterization

Most of these events resolve within 3 weeks of the procedure, but there is a possibility some of these effects may be prolonged. Please talk with your urologist about ways to potentially minimize the effects of these risks. Some of the following options may help relieve discomfort during the short-term healing process:

  • Take a mild pain medication such as Tylenol.
  • Try a warm bath or sitting on a hot water bottle.
  • Eliminate caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol from your diet.

Rezūm Frequently Asked Questions

Who may benefit from Rezūm?

  • Men who have elected to discontinue or who have chosen not to take BPH medication
  • Men who are not interested in other minimally invasive or surgical BPH procedures
  • Men who have indicated they aren’t bothered enough by their symptoms to elect an invasive surgical procedure

How do I know if Rezūm is the right treatment for me?
A Texas Urology Specialists will consult with you to determine if Rezūm is a good treatment option for you based on your symptoms and personal treatment goals. The Rezūm System is indicated for men 50 years and older with a prostate volume of ≥ 30cm3 and ≤80cm3. The prostate is made up of several zones and/or regions. It is important to treat all of the extra tissue in your prostate in order to reduce your symptoms. Unlike other therapies, the Rezūm System is also indicated for treatment of prostate with hyperplasia of the central zone and/or a median lobe. The use of the Rezūm System is contraindicated for patients with a urinary sphincter implant or who have a penile prosthesis.

Will I experience discomfort during the procedure?
Rezūm can be performed under oral sedation or local anesthesia (prostate block) and doesn’t require general anesthesia. Our urologist will discuss pain management options with you to manage your comfort during the procedure.

When will I notice results from the treatment?
Symptom improvement following the procedure is gradual. During the clinical study significant symptom improvement was seen in as soon as two weeks.1 Responses to the treatment can and do vary.

How soon can I return to regular activities?
Most patients return to regular activities within a few days.1 Your urologist will discuss this during your consultation.

How long do the results last?
We currently have clinical studies that demonstrate sustained symptom improvement out to 3 years and studies are ongoing to determine longer term patient outcomes.1

1McVary KT, Roehrborn CG. Three-year outcomes of the prospective, randomized controlled Rezūm system study: Convective radiofrequency thermal therapy for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology. 111C (2018):1-9.

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