Are You a Good Candidate For the Rezūm Therapy?

Rezūm water vapour therapy is a new, minimally invasive therapy designed to reduce the urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. SanoMed Prostate is proud to be the FIRST practice in Quebec and Eastern Canada to have brought this revolutionary procedure to our community. 

What Is An Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate is a gland that is part of the man’s reproductive system. An enlarged prostate simply means that the gland has grown bigger. Prostate enlargement is a natural part of the male body’s aging process. The condition is also called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). 

When the prostate becomes larger, it can put pressure on the urethra, preventing a proper flow of urine out of the bladder. In time, this can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms as well as bladder, urinary tract and kidney problems.  

If you are experiencing urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, it is important to consult your doctor in order to determine the severity of your symptoms and the best possible treatments for you. 

Your doctor may start by asking you to fill-out a questionnaire to understand your likelihood of having BPH.

BPH Treatment Montreal

Treatment Options for BPH

There are a number of treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia, and it is important to understand all factors involved before deciding what is the best treatment plan for you. 

If you are interested in the Rezūm therapy, your doctor will help you determine if it’s a good option for you by assessing your symptoms, overall health history, and treatment goals.

Current Treatments Available for BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia cannot be cured. However, several effective treatments are available to help reduce urinary symptoms caused by BPH. 

The primary treatment options are: 

  • Medication (alpha blockers / 5-alpha reductase inhibitors) 
  • Minimally invasive treatments (including Rezūm)
  • Tissue removal surgery 

 

When choosing a treatment option, it is imperative to look at the benefits and burdens of each of the different therapies.For some men, medications do not provide enough relief or cause too many unwanted side effects including dizziness, weakness, dizziness, erectile dysfunction and decrease in libido. Other men do not feel like their urinary symptoms are worth the side effects that follow a tissue removal surgery. Side effects of prostate surgery can include erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence and other possible complications. 

An Effective Treatment for BPH, With Minimal Side Effects

How Does The Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy Work?

The Rezūm procedure  works by delivering a tiny amount of water vapour (steam) to the enlarged prostate. The water vapour essentially kills the cells responsible for prostate enlargement. As a result, the prostate shrinks, hence creating a more open urinary pathway for the urethra. The technique is completed through simple injections lasting approximately nine seconds each. 

The Rezūm procedure requires one single visit, with no need for ongoing therapy or overnight hospital stay. 

What Are the Advantages of Rezūm?

Rezūm has demonstrated fewer complications and side effects than drug therapies or other more invasive procedures. Moreover, with Rezūm, there is no need to continue taking BPH medications. 

Other benefits include:  

  • Simple in-office/out-patient therapy. 
  • Does not require general anesthesia. 
  • Preserves erectile and urinary functions. 
  • Most patients see symptom improvement within two weeks. 
  • Ability to return to regular activities within a few days. 
  • Long term symptom relief.  

Rezūm Therapy Montreal

What Are the Disadvantages of Rezūm?

Any treatment will have its possible and associated risks. Rezūm is considered an effective method for treating BPH symptoms with a minimal list of short term side effects.  

Temporary side effects include: 

  • Blood in the urine or in the semen. 
  • A decline in sperm volume. 
  • Urinary tract infections. 
  • Urinary frequency, retention, or urgency issues. 

Most of these events resolve within three weeks of the procedure.

Following the Rezūm procedure, patients must wear a catheter for 3 to 7 days. The improvement in urinary symptoms will also be gradual. In some cases, it may take 3 months to truly experience the advantages of the procedure. Furthermore, efficacy beyond 3 years after the treatment are still unknown. 

 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rezūm?

Rezūm can be performed on men with urinary outflow obstruction caused by benign prostate hyperplasia of the central zone and/or a median lobe. Rezūm is recommended for men with a prostate volume of ≥ 30cm3 and ≤80cm3. Rezūm can also be recommended to  men with chronic medical conditions, and of advanced age, as an alternative to other more invasive BPH surgeries.

Rezūm is not recommended for patients with a urinary implant or who have a penile prosthesis.

Rezūm is a good option for: 

  • Men who cannot or do not want to take BPH medications.
  • Men who are not willing to consider other BPH procedures.
  • Men who have medical conditions that prevent them to undergo procedures that require general anesthesia. 
  • Men who have indicated they are not concerned enough by their symptoms to choose an invasive surgical procedure.

Is Rezūm Right for Me?

The best way to find out if Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy is right for you is through a doctor’s assessment of your symptoms and treatment goals. 

When medication and other nonsurgical treatments are not the most effective methods to reduce the symptoms of your BPH, Rezūm can make a remarkable difference in your quality of life.

If you think you would be a good candidate for Rezūm, get started with the one-minute BPH quiz