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Up to 50% of men 60 and older have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. Rezūm™ provides a safe and effective way to reduce uncomfortable symptoms associated with BPH and improve your quality of life. At Comprehensive Urology in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the board-certified urologists use Rezūm to safely remove excess prostate tissue. Make an appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online booking form.
Rezum procedure is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that uses the natural energy stored in a few drops of water to treat the excess prostate tissue causing BPH symptoms. This procedure is targeted to a defined area because steam will travel only between cells until it encounters natural collagen barriers or the prostate capsule itself. The therapy involves inserting sterile water vapor (steam) into the prostate gland during nine-second treatments.
Rezum uses heat from steam to reduce the size of the prostate gland, relieving pressure on the urethra and improving urine flow.
The Rezum system works by delivering water vapor to the prostate tissue using a small, flexible delivery device inserted through the urethra. The water vapor is delivered in short pulses, causing the cells in the prostate tissue to expand and rupture. Over time, the body’s natural healing process removes the damaged tissue, reducing the size of the prostate gland.
Clinical studies have shown that the Rezum procedure is effective in reducing LUTS caused by BPH, with improvements in urine flow rate, symptom score, and quality of life. In a study of 197 men with moderate to severe LUTS, 87% reported improvement in symptoms after undergoing the Rezum procedure.
One advantage of Rezum over other BPH treatments is that it has a low rate of sexual side effects. Unlike traditional surgical procedures, Rezum does not require cutting or removal of prostate tissue, which can damage the nerves and blood vessels that control sexual function. In fact, some studies have shown that Rezum may actually improve sexual function in some men.
Overall, Rezum is a safe and effective treatment option for men with LUTS caused by BPH. It is minimally invasive, has a short recovery time, and has a low risk of sexual side effects. While not suitable for all patients, it offers an attractive alternative to traditional surgical treatments for BPH.
During the procedure, a small device is inserted into the urethra, and water vapor is released into the prostate tissue. The heat from the steam causes the prostate cells to die and shrink, which relieves pressure on the urethra and improves urinary symptoms.
Rezum procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and typically takes less than an hour to complete. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but anesthesia is not required.
According to clinical studies, Rezum procedure has been shown to provide significant improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life for men with BPH. It is also associated with a low risk of side effects, such as painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, and decreased ejaculatory volume.
Overall, Rezum procedure is a safe and effective treatment option for men with BPH who want to avoid more invasive surgical procedures. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if Rezum procedure is the right treatment option for each individual case.
The procedure typically takes less than an hour and is performed in a urologist’s office or outpatient surgery facility. Here are the steps involved in the Rezum procedure:
Overall, the Rezum procedure is a safe and effective treatment option for men suffering from BPH. It offers a quick and minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures, with fewer complications and a faster recovery time.
Before the procedure, the doctor may stop anticoagulants (blood thinners) a few days to a week prior and prescribe antibiotics. The doctor will discuss any pain medications that will be used. The procedure is performed by going up through the urethra and using an instrument that turns water into steam. The steam delivery lasts only seconds, making the method for treating an enlarged prostate minimally invasive. The patient can get back in the game quickly, as there is no need to be in the hospital and no need to continue taking costly BPH medications.
After the Rezum procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and mild pain, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It is also common to experience some blood in the urine or semen for a few weeks after the procedure. Patients should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least two weeks after the procedure to allow the body to heal.
Patients will have a catheter inserted during the procedure, which will be removed within a few days after the procedure. It is important to follow the urologist’s instructions on how to care for the catheter and when to remove it.
It is also important to drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, after the procedure to help flush out any remaining prostate tissue and prevent infection. Patients should avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the bladder and increase the frequency of urination.
Patients should also continue to take any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, as directed by the urologist. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure that the procedure was successful and to monitor for any complications.
Overall, following proper post-procedure care instructions can help ensure a successful recovery and improved urinary symptoms for patients who undergo the Rezum procedure.
One of the main benefits of the Rezum procedure is that it is a safe and effective alternative to traditional BPH treatments, such as medication or surgery. Unlike medication, which can cause side effects such as dizziness, headaches, and sexual dysfunction, the Rezum procedure has minimal side effects and does not require ongoing medication use.
Another benefit of the Rezum procedure is that it is a quick and relatively painless procedure. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and takes less than an hour to complete. Patients may experience discomfort during the procedure, but this is usually mild and can be managed with local anesthesia.
Additionally, the Rezum procedure has a high success rate, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their BPH symptoms within a few weeks of the procedure. In fact, studies have shown that up to 90% of patients who undergo the Rezum procedure experience significant symptom relief. It offers many benefits for men with BPH, including a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments, a quick and relatively painless procedure, and a high success rate with minimal side effects.
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with Rezum Water Vapor Therapy. The most common risks include painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, a decrease in ejaculatory volume, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). These risks are generally mild and resolve on their own within a few weeks.
In rare cases, more serious complications can occur. For example, some patients may experience difficulty urinating or completely emptying their bladder after the procedure. This can lead to urinary retention, which may require catheterization to relieve. Additionally, some patients may experience an urgent need to urinate or urinary incontinence.
Another rare complication is prostatic tissue sloughing, which occurs when the treated prostate tissue dies and is excreted from the body. This can cause pain and discomfort, and may require further medical intervention.
It is important to note that these risks and complications are relatively uncommon, and the vast majority of patients experience a successful outcome with minimal side effects. Patients should discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure.
Patients with very large prostates may not be good candidates for Rezum. Please consult a board certified urologist for the best treatment options.
For patients with very large inflamed prostates, we offer other treatment options such as:
Compared to other treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), Greenlight laser, and Holmium laser, Rezum has several advantages.
However, Rezum is not always the best treatment option for every patient. Schedule a consult with Dr. Michel today to find out if you’re a candidate for Rezum.
Rezum and aquablation are two new minimally invasive procedures for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common prostate condition causing urinary symptoms in older men. Rezum uses steam energy to reduce excess prostate tissue while aquablation utilizes water jets. Both procedures aim to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms by removing obstructing prostate tissue and opening the urethra.
Clinical studies show Rezum and aquablation significantly improve urine flow and quality of life in BPH patients. Aquablation provides faster symptom relief but requires postoperative catheterization. Rezum has minimal downtime but some patients report temporary difficulty urinating after treatment. Aquablation is better for larger prostates while Rezum has size limitations. Consult a board certified urologist to see which procedure would work best for your condition.
Compared to other treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), Greenlight laser, and Holmium laser, Rezum has several advantages.
However, Rezum is not always the best treatment option for every patient. Please consult a board certified urologist for the best treatment option for your case.
Rezum has helped many men find lasting relief from the symptoms of BPH. Here are some patient testimonials that illustrate the effectiveness of the Rezum procedure:
These testimonials demonstrate the positive impact that the Rezum procedure can have on the lives of men with BPH. If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, talk to your doctor about whether the Rezum procedure may be right for you.
The Rezum procedure is a minimally invasive therapy for treating BPH that has demonstrated clinical effectiveness and possesses specific benefits that distinguish it among other treatments. Available studies point towards good clinical outcomes with a short-term risk of self-limiting minor complications. The therapy has potential benefits for both patients and medical practices.
Real-world four-year functional and surgical outcomes of Rezum show that there were no significant differences in IPSS, QoL, or adverse events between elderly and younger men over 4 years following Rezum, suggesting comparable benefits and risks. Rezum therapy is an effective and safe minimal invasive therapeutic option for patients with BPH related LUTS.
In total, 92 Rezum procedures were performed in the observational period. All interventions were completed without device- or procedure-related adverse events. Rezum is an effective and safe minimal invasive therapeutic option for patients with BPH related LUTS.
Rezum did not significantly decrease prostate size for either cohort, which contrasts previously reported findings of reductions in prostate volume approaching 30% within 6 months after Rezum. However, this conclusion is limited by the small sample of patients that were reimaged postoperatively.
Rezum therapy is a suitable treatment option for a wide range of patients, including elderly patients, those with poor heart conditions, those on blood-thinning medications, and young men.
You might be a candidate if you:
Before undergoing the Rezum procedure, patients should review their medical records, discuss their symptoms, and undergo a physical exam. This will help their Comprehensive Urology provider develop a custom treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs.
It is important to note that the Rezum procedure may not be suitable for everyone. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if the Rezum procedure is the right treatment option for them.
When it comes to minimally invasive treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), two leading options are Rezum and prostate artery embolization (PAE). Both procedures are performed at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles, offering effective alternatives to traditional surgery with a focus on patient comfort, safety, and rapid recovery.
Benefits
Rezum uses water vapor thermal therapy to ablate excess prostate tissue, providing relief from urinary symptoms. It is minimally invasive, can be performed in-office, and typically preserves sexual function. Most patients experience significant symptom improvement within a few weeks.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) involves blocking the blood supply to the prostate using tiny microspheres, causing the gland to shrink and relieving pressure on the urethra. PAE is particularly beneficial for men who wish to avoid surgery or are not candidates for anesthesia. It is also associated with a lower risk of sexual side effects and a quick return to normal activities.
Side Effects
Both Rezum and PAE are associated with mild, short-term side effects. Rezum may cause temporary urinary urgency, frequency, or discomfort, usually resolving within a few weeks. PAE’s side effects are generally mild as well, such as minor pelvic pain or urinary symptoms, which typically resolve within a few days. Both procedures have a much lower risk of causing erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction compared to traditional surgery.
Duration of Recuperation
Rezum patients typically return to normal activities within a few days, with full symptom relief developing over several weeks. PAE offers a similarly fast recovery, with most patients resuming daily routines within a day or two and experiencing symptom improvement within a week.
Rezum Vs Prostate Artery Embolization Comparison Chart
Feature/Benefit | Rezum | Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) |
Technique | Water vapor thermal therapy | Blocks blood supply to prostate (microspheres) |
Invasiveness | Minimally invasive, in-office | Minimally invasive, outpatient |
Recovery Time | 2-3 days for most activities | 1-2 days for most activities |
Symptom Relief Onset | 2-4 weeks | 3-7 days |
Risk of Sexual Side Effects | Very low | Very low |
Hospital Stay | Not required | Not required |
Ideal Candidates | Mild to moderate BPH, average-sized prostate | Moderate to severe BPH, larger prostate, high-risk surgical patients |
Performed by | Interventional radiologists | Interventional radiologists |
Both Rezum and PAE are excellent, minimally invasive options for BPH, and the expert team at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles can help you determine which is best suited to you.
The recovery time for the Rezum procedure is relatively short. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and avoid any strenuous activity for at least a week after the procedure.
As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects associated with the Rezum procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pain during urination for a few days after the procedure. Other potential side effects may include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and urinary tract infections. However, these side effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own within a few days to a week.
The Rezum procedure typically takes about an hour to perform. However, this may vary depending on the size of the prostate and other individual factors. The procedure is usually performed on an
outpatient basis, which means that patients can go home the same day.
The success rate of the Rezum procedure is high. Studies have shown that the procedure is effective in reducing symptoms of an enlarged prostate in the majority of patients. However, the success rate may vary depending on individual factors such as the size of the prostate and the severity of symptoms.
Yes, the Rezum procedure can be performed under local anesthesia. This means that patients are awake during the procedure but are given medication to numb the area being treated. However, some patients may prefer to undergo the procedure under general anesthesia, which means that they are asleep during the procedure.
The cost of the Rezum procedure may vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the procedure and the individual patient’s insurance coverage. Patients should contact their healthcare provider or insurance company for more information about the cost of the procedure.
Rezum water therapy is an outpatient procedure that takes one appointment.
During treatment, your Comprehensive Urology provider uses sterile water vapor to carefully shrink your excess prostate tissue. As your prostate shrinks, your urethra opens up, making it easier to urinate. Your prostate will continue to shrink in the days and weeks.
Rezum therapy is safe and usually well-tolerated but can cause minor discomfort. Your Comprehensive Urology provider can prescribe oral sedation or local anesthesia if you have low pain tolerance.
Many men experience a significant reduction in their urge to urinate. Some people notice relief right away, but for others, it takes several weeks. Most men experience the maximum benefits about 12 weeks after their first treatment.*
After completing the treatment, take it easy. Drink fluids and get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous exercise and other intense physical activity for at least a week. Your Comprehensive Urology provider will make recovery recommendations that align with your age, level of physical fitness, and needs.
Make an appointment today at Comprehensive Urology to see if you can benefit from Rezūm water therapy. Call the office or click the online booking feature.
Click the image to learn how to join the STUD Protocol at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles. Photo Credit - Artem Furman - Adobe Stock
