What You Need to Know About Rezūm for BPH Treatment

Rezūm therapy is a minimally invasive procedure designed specifically to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). During the procedure, a urologist inserts a long, thin tube into the urethra. Sterile water vapour is then released into the enlarged prostate tissues. This steam travels through the tissue, effectively destroying the cells responsible for prostatic enlargement.

In Singapore, the whole procedure can be done in under 10 to 30 minutes. After the session, patients notice their prostate gradually shrinking over the following weeks. Since its introduction in 2021, it has broadened treatment options for enlarged prostate.

Key Benefits of Rezūm Therapy

While TURP remains the gold standard for severe BPH, Rezūm offers compelling advantages for men with moderate symptoms who are looking for effective relief without the risks and recovery time associated with traditional surgery.

• Preservation of Sexual Function
  Rezūm therapy has been shown to preserve erectile and ejaculatory function in most patients. This procedure offers a strong option for men seeking relief from urinary symptoms without compromising their sexual health.
• Rapid Recovery
  Most patients can resume desk work within a few days to a week, though strenuous activity should be avoided during the initial recovery period. As Rezūm therapy is performed on an outpatient basis, it is often ideal to schedule the procedure over a long weekend, allowing for a quick return to normal routines with minimal interruption.
• Long-Term Effectiveness
  Five-year data from the Rezūm trial show a low surgical retreatment rate of just 4.4%, with only 11.1% of patients requiring BPH medications through those years. This suggests that the vast majority of patients remain off BPH medications long-term.

Who Can Benefit from Rezūm?

Patient selection is a crucial aspect of Rezūm therapy, as not every man with BPH is a suitable candidate. This careful selectivity helps ensure optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction. By accurately identifying individuals who will benefit most, urologists can effectively tailor treatments, minimise potential risks, and enhance overall patient satisfaction.

Generally, patients may not be suitable for Rezūm if they have:

• A history of prostate cancer
• Bladder stones that impair urinary function
• An active urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Previously undergone prostate surgery that could negatively affect the outcome of Rezūm

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Prior to Rezūm therapy, patients receive detailed pre-operative instructions. These include starting antibiotic prophylaxis the night before, temporarily discontinuing blood-thinning medications, and following specific dietary guidelines, all designed to properly prepare the body for treatment.

On the day of the procedure, individuals may be asked to empty their bladder. Any remaining urine will be drained to optimise visualisation during the procedure. Both the prostate and the penile urethra receive thorough anaesthesia using lidocaine gel and local injection.

Using direct visualisation through a specialised cystoscope, the urologist precisely targets the enlarged prostate tissue. Each steam injection lasts exactly nine seconds, with the total number varying up to 15 injections, depending on prostate size and anatomy.

Following the procedure, a urinary catheter is placed due to expected swelling. This temporary catheter remains connected for approximately 3 to 7 days to assist in draining fluids, such as urine.

Potential Side Effects

Some patients may experience temporary pain during the first few weeks as inflammation peaks. This response may indicate successful treatment, as damaged tissue creates a temporary obstruction before remodelling occurs.

Other potential side effects of Rezūm may include:

• Blood in urine
• Urinary retention
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Bladder stones
• Dry ejaculation
• Very large prostate (over 80 grams)
• Penile implants

Why Choose Dr Jonathan Teo for Rezūm in Singapore

Dr Jonathan Teo is an experienced urologist specialising in the treatment of BPH. Internationally trained in the UK, US, and South Korea, he brings global best practices to his Singapore-based practice. Dr Teo’s experience spans both public and private healthcare, including his former role as Director of Andrology at Singapore General Hospital, where he also contributed to committees responsible for evaluating medical therapies and devices.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate or seeking a safe, effective solution like Rezūm therapy, our clinic offers the expertise and advanced care you can trust. Contact us today to book a consultation.