From the Guidelines
Rezum is a recommended treatment option for men with moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms who want to avoid daily medications or more invasive surgeries, as it preserves sexual function and provides lasting symptom relief for at least 4-5 years in most patients. The procedure involves delivering targeted doses of steam directly into the prostate gland, causing cell death in the enlarged tissue which is then naturally absorbed by the body over time 1. Typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia with sedation, Rezum takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and requires a single treatment session. Patients can expect symptom improvement within 2-4 weeks, with maximum benefit occurring around 3 months post-procedure.
Some key points to consider when evaluating Rezum as a treatment option include:
- The size and shape of the prostate, as assessed by ultrasound, can predict the response to Rezum therapy 2
- Rezum is a minimally invasive therapy, and as such, it is only effective in patients with prostates in a certain size range 2
- The procedure has a low risk of complications, including urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort during urination 1
- Rezum can be used in combination with other treatments, such as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), to enhance symptom relief 1
In terms of patient selection, Rezum is suitable for men with moderate BPH symptoms who want to avoid daily medications or more invasive surgeries. The treatment is also a good option for men who have failed other minimally invasive therapies or who have a high risk of complications from more invasive surgeries. Overall, Rezum is a safe and effective treatment option for men with moderate BPH symptoms, and it should be considered as a viable alternative to other treatments, including medications and more invasive surgeries.
From the Research
Overview of Rezum
- Rezum is a minimally invasive surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 3, 4, 5
- It uses water vapour-based convective thermal therapy to ablate prostatic tissue 5
- Current guidelines recommend Rezum for prostates < 80 cc, but studies have shown its effectiveness in patients with larger prostates 3
Efficacy of Rezum
- Rezum has been shown to improve voiding function and reduce symptoms of BPH 3, 4
- It has been found to be effective in patients with prostates ≥ 80 cc, with improved Qmax and PVR postoperatively 3
- The procedure has also been shown to reduce the use of alpha-blockers and improve quality of life 3, 4
Safety and Side Effects
- Rezum has a high safety profile, with minimal side effects 4, 5
- The procedure is associated with a low risk of sexual dysfunction and other complications 4, 5
- However, studies have reported some differences in postoperative outcomes, such as mean days to foley removal and urosepsis rates, between patients with larger and smaller prostates 3
Comparison to Other Treatments
- Rezum has been compared to other treatments for BPH, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and medical therapy 6, 7
- It has been found to be a viable alternative to these treatments, with similar outcomes and a lower risk of complications 4, 5
- The choice of treatment for BPH should be based on individual patient needs and preferences, taking into account the potential benefits and risks of each option 6, 7