As men age, many men experience urinary problems due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) . This condition can cause a weakened urine stream, difficulty initiating urination, frequent waking at night to urinate, and even a feeling of incomplete urination. If not treated appropriately, these symptoms can increasingly disrupt activities and quality of life.
One of the technological developments in the field of urology to treat BPH is Rezum Water Vapor Therapy , which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses water vapor energy to reduce enlarged prostate tissue.
What is Rezum Therapy?
Rezum therapy is a procedure to treat BPH symptoms using hot steam . Unlike surgery, which requires an incision in the skin, this procedure is performed through the urinary tract or urethra. The goal is to shrink the prostate tissue pressing on the urethra, thereby opening the urinary tract and improving urine flow.
How Does Rezum Therapy Work?
The procedure is performed using a special instrument inserted through the urethra until it reaches the enlarged prostate. The doctor then applies controlled amounts of hot steam to the prostate tissue. Each steam application lasts for a short time, about a few seconds.
The heat energy causes controlled damage to targeted prostate cells. The body then gradually absorbs the tissue naturally. As the prostate tissue obstructing the urethra diminishes, the urinary tract can become more open, hopefully allowing urine to flow more smoothly and reducing BPH symptoms .
What are the advantages of Rezum Therapy?
As a minimally invasive procedure, Rezum therapy has several advantages in suitable patients, including:
- Does not require incisions in the skin.
- Using steam energy that is provided in a controlled manner.
- Targeted prostate tissue can be reduced without removing the entire prostate.
- It can be an alternative for certain patients who wish to avoid more invasive prostate surgery procedures.
- In suitable patients, this therapy can help maintain sexual function, including ejaculatory function.
However, results and response to therapy can vary from patient to patient. Rezum is also not the right choice for all conditions of prostate enlargement.
Who Can Undergo Rezum Therapy?
Rezum therapy may be considered in men with BPH that causes bothersome symptoms , especially when lifestyle changes or medications have not provided optimal results.
The doctor will consider several things before determining therapy, such as the size and shape of the prostate, the severity of symptoms, the patient's health condition, and previous medical history.
Consult Your Prostate Condition
Urinary problems in men don't always indicate BPH and shouldn't be self-diagnosed. An examination by a urologist is necessary to determine the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment options.
If symptoms such as difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, frequent nighttime urination, or a feeling of incomplete voiding persist, consult your doctor. Rezum therapy may be a modern option for BPH patients who meet the criteria.
Article written by Dr. Aga Parardya, Sp.U(K) (Urologic Surgery Specialist, Trauma & Urology Reconstruction Consultant, EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).