Rezum™

What is Rezūm?

Rezūm is a minimally invasive treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the enlargement of the prostate gland. This enlargement blocks the urethra that carries urine from the bladder to the penis for expulsion. This enlargement can reduce the flow of urine from the bladder and sometimes block it completely.

As these symptoms increase, a man’s quality of life can be greatly affected. This can include urgency to urinate, getting up frequently at night to urinate and psychological distress.

How Does Rezūm work?

The Rezūm System is a transurethral RF thermal therapy that uses sterile water vapor (steam) to address BPH by delivering targeted, controlled doses of stored thermal energy directly to the region of the prostate gland with the obstructive tissue that causes BPH.

A narrow device, similar in shape and size to a cystoscope, is inserted transurethrally under direct visualization and positioned within the prostatic urethra. RF power from the system generator is applied to the delivery device’s inductive coil, which heats upon contact with the tissue, the vapor condenses into its liquid state, releasing the stored thermal energy contained within the vapor. This thermal energy is released directly against the cell walls of the tissue within the treatment zone, gently and immediately denaturing the cell membranes, thereby causing almost instantaneous cell death.In addition, this energy release collapses the vasculature and causes denervation of the alpha adrenergic nerves and receptors in the treatment zone, effectively eliminating the contractile capability of the treated tissue. Over time, the denatured tissue is absorbed by the body’s immune system response, and the reduction in hyperplastic tissue volume reduces the compression of the urethra, enabling improved urine flow.

Benefits of Rezūm bph treatment

Rezūm therapy is chosen by many patients due to its minimally invasive nature. It also provides the follow benefits:

• Preserves sexual and urinary function
• Alternative to BPH medications
• Relieves symptoms quickly (typically within two weeks)
• Does not involve anesthesia
• Allows patients to return to regular activities within a few days.

Side effects and considerations of Rezūm

Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, patients who undergo Rezūm experience fewer side effects compared with those seen in invasive surgical procedures. However, with any procedure, side effects may occur temporarily. The most common Rezūm side effects are:

• Painful urination
• Blood in semen and urine
• Frequent urination.

These side effects typically subside on their own within three weeks of the procedure. Discomfort during the short-term healing process can be relieved through:

• Mild pain medication (Tylenol)
• A warm bath or heating pad.

The Right Candidate

Patients should carefully consider each option before deciding on their BPH treatment plan. Rezūm is most successful in patients who meet the following criteria:

• Men who are not bothered enough by symptoms to elect a surgical procedure
• Men who are not interested in other minimally invasive treatments
• Men who have decided to discontinue taking BPH medication.