Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in which the prostate enlarges and gradually obstructs the flow of urine. As symptoms become more noticeable, some patients may be advised to consider minimally invasive treatment options. Rezum therapy is one such procedure that uses controlled water vapour to treat enlarged prostate tissue without making external surgical incisions.
Patients considering this treatment often want to know exactly what happens during Rezum therapy. Understanding each stage of the procedure can help reduce uncertainty and support informed discussions with a urologist. SDC Prostate Centre provides comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment planning for patients seeking minimally invasive management options for BPH.
What Is Rezum Therapy?
Rezum therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. The procedure uses sterile water vapour to deliver controlled thermal energy into enlarged areas of the prostate.
The treated tissue is gradually absorbed by the body's natural healing process, reducing pressure on the urethra and helping improve urine flow over time.
Before the Procedure
Before undergoing Rezum therapy, the urologist performs a complete medical assessment to confirm that the urinary symptoms are caused by BPH.
The evaluation may include:
- Medical history
- Review of urinary symptoms
- Physical examination
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- PSA testing when appropriate
- Ultrasound examination
- Urine flow study
- Measurement of residual urine
- Cystoscopy when clinically indicated
These investigations help determine whether Rezum therapy is an appropriate treatment option.
Arrival on the Day of Treatment
On the day of the procedure, patients receive instructions regarding eating, drinking, medications, and preparation before treatment.
Depending on the treatment plan, local anaesthesia, sedation, or another suitable form of anaesthesia may be used to keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure.
Because Rezum therapy is performed through the natural urinary passage, no external surgical incision is required.
Insertion of the Treatment Device
A specialised treatment instrument is gently inserted through the urethra until it reaches the enlarged prostate.
The urologist carefully positions the device to target the prostate tissue responsible for obstructing urine flow.
Delivery of Water Vapour
Once the device is correctly positioned, controlled bursts of sterile water vapour are delivered into selected areas of the enlarged prostate.
Each steam injection lasts only a few seconds.
The number of treatments depends on factors such as:
- Prostate size
- Shape of the prostate
- Location of enlarged tissue
- Severity of obstruction
The steam remains within the targeted treatment zone and releases thermal energy into the enlarged tissue.
How the Steam Works
The water vapour transfers heat directly into the selected prostate tissue.
Rather than cutting or removing tissue during the procedure, the thermal energy affects the enlarged cells within the treatment area.
Over the following weeks, the body's immune system naturally breaks down and absorbs the treated tissue.
As this process continues, pressure on the urethra gradually decreases.
Completion of the Procedure
After all planned treatment areas have been treated, the instrument is carefully removed.
Since no tissue is surgically removed during the procedure, there are no external wounds or stitches.
The treatment itself is generally completed within a relatively short period.
Catheter After Rezum Therapy
Some patients may require a temporary urinary catheter after the procedure.
This helps drain urine while temporary swelling settles during the early stages of healing.
The duration of catheter use varies according to:
- Urinary function
- Degree of swelling
- Prostate size
- Individual recovery
The treating urologist determines when the catheter can be safely removed.
Recovery During the First Few Weeks
The healing process continues gradually after the procedure.
Some temporary symptoms may occur, including:
- Mild burning while urinating
- Increased urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Small amounts of blood in the urine
- Mild pelvic discomfort
- Temporary difficulty passing urine
These effects usually improve as healing progresses.
When Do Symptoms Improve?
Unlike procedures that remove prostate tissue immediately, Rezum therapy works gradually.
As the body absorbs the treated tissue, patients may notice improvements in:
- Urine flow
- Bladder emptying
- Night-time urination
- Urinary frequency
- Urinary urgency
- Difficulty starting urination
The exact timeline differs from one patient to another.
Follow-Up Care
Follow-up appointments allow the urologist to monitor recovery and evaluate symptom improvement.
During these visits, the doctor may assess:
- Urinary symptoms
- Urine flow
- Bladder emptying
- General recovery
- Need for further treatment or medication
Regular follow-up helps ensure that recovery is progressing as expected.
Possible Benefits of Rezum Therapy
For carefully selected patients, Rezum therapy may offer several potential advantages:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- No external surgical incision
- Short procedure duration
- Usually performed as a day-care procedure
- Gradual improvement in urinary symptoms
- Reduced disruption to everyday activities
- Potential preservation of sexual function in suitable patients
Individual outcomes vary depending on the patient's condition and prostate anatomy.
Who May Benefit from Rezum Therapy?
Rezum therapy may be considered for men who:
- Have urinary symptoms caused by BPH
- Receive limited relief from medication
- Prefer a minimally invasive procedure
- Want to avoid or delay conventional surgery
- Have prostate anatomy suitable for the treatment
Only a detailed medical assessment can determine whether Rezum therapy is the right option.
Conclusion
Knowing what happens during Rezum therapy helps patients understand each stage of the procedure, from the initial assessment and steam delivery to recovery and follow-up care. The treatment uses controlled water vapour to target enlarged prostate tissue, allowing the body to gradually reduce the obstruction and improve urinary flow.
Every patient should undergo a thorough evaluation before choosing any BPH treatment. Those seeking more information about Rezum therapy and personalised prostate care can consult SDC Prostate Centre to discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
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