Water Vapor Therapy
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a condition in which the prostate, which enlarges with age, blocks the outlet of the bladder (urinary bladder) and obstructs urine flow. Symptoms become more common and bothersome as men get older.
Surgical treatment is required if at least one of the following conditions is present. The aim of surgery is to remove the tissue blocking the urinary tract.
Persistent symptoms despite medication
Presence of bladder stones
Continuous bleeding caused by the prostate
Development of kidney failure due to prostate enlargement
Recurrent urinary retention requiring catheterization
Recurrent urinary tract infections
What Are the Surgical Options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
The surgical treatment of prostate enlargement involves removing the part of the prostate that has grown and is blocking the urinary tract. There are several methods available for this procedure. With technological advancements, many different techniques have been developed. The key is to determine which method will provide the best outcome for each patient.
TURP – Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Plasmakinetic – Transurethral Bipolar Enucleation
HoLEP – Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
ThuLEP – Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
Greenlight – Laser Vaporization of the Prostate
Water Vapor Therapy (Rezum Therapy)
Open Surgery
Water Vapor Therapy: Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Water vapor therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat the symptoms of enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This treatment uses steam to shrink prostate tissue and relieve urinary symptoms.
What Are the Advantages of Water Vapor Therapy?
Unlike other minimally invasive (closed) methods, the water vapor therapy system offers several advantages:
Does not require deep anesthesia (general anesthesia)
Can be safely performed in patients with advanced heart failure and COPD
Does not cause bleeding during the surgical procedure
Does not require continuous bladder irrigation with a catheter after the procedure
Safe for patients with cardiac or brain pacemakers
Same-day discharge, no need for hospital stay
Very low risk of retrograde ejaculation after treatment (less than 5%, compared to 70–90% in other methods)
No negative side effects on sexual life, including erectile function
How Is Water Vapor Therapy Performed?
During the procedure, a small device is inserted through the tip of the penis into the urethra and directed to the targeted areas of the prostate. The device delivers heated water vapor, generated by radiofrequency energy, into the prostate tissue. This causes the excess tissue to shrink, thereby opening the urinary tract and improving urine flow.
Water vapor therapy is usually performed under local anesthesia and can be done as an outpatient procedure. The entire procedure typically takes 10–15 minutes, and patients can usually return home the same day.
Which Patients Are Suitable for Water Vapor Therapy?
The water vapor system can be safely used in many cases, particularly in:
Individuals with a prostate weight greater than 30 grams
Individuals with benign prostatic tissue enlargement
Individuals experiencing difficulty in urination
Individuals who do not respond to medication or prefer not to use medical therapy
Patients with cardiac or brain pacemakers
Patients who do not want their sexual life to be negatively affected after surgical procedures
What Are the Side Effects of Water Vapor Therapy?
Although serious side effects are not typically seen with water vapor therapy, some temporary effects may occur:
Burning sensation during urination (approximately 17.5%, the most common)
Blood in the urine
Increased frequency and urgency of urination
Temporary difficulty urinating or urinary retention
Reduced semen volume after ejaculation in about 4.8% of cases (compared to 70–90% in other methods)
Conclusion
Water vapor therapy is considered a safe and effective treatment option for BPH, with minimal risk of sexual side effects compared to other treatments. It offers a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods, relieving urinary symptoms and improving quality of life for many patients. Most patients experience significant improvement in urinary symptoms within a few weeks to a few months after treatment.
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