What to expect
Rezum
What is Rezum Water Vapor Therapy?
- A minimally invasive procedure to treat BPH(Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ), not just the symptoms.
- Uses the energy stored in water vapor to reduce the size of the prostate and provide lasting relief, while preserving sexual and urinary functions.
What Benefits Does Rezum Offer?
The Rezūm procedure provides the following benefits to men suffering from BPH:
- Alternative to BPH medications1
- Studies support Rezum relieves symptoms safely and effectively
- Noticeable symptom improvement within two weeks
- Simple in-office/out-patient therapy
- Does not require general anesthesia
- Preserves erectile and urinary functions
- Ability to return to regular activities within a few days
- Covered by Medicare and most private insurers
How Does Rezum Therapy Work?
- Water vapor is released into the prostate and targets excess tissue surrounding the urethra
- Energy from the water vapor targets the excess tissue cells and over time, the body’s healing response removes the treated tissue, relieving pressure on the urethra
What to Expect During Rezum
On the day of the procedure, a light meal and lots of fluids are recommended.
The procedure itself is quick and simple, taking only a single one- to two-hour office visit. Depending on the size of the prostate, the procedure consists of two to seven injections, each nine seconds long.
Upon arriving, you will be instructed to eliminate urine, and the bladder is then checked. If there is still more urine in the bladder, it’s drained to avoid having to drain it during the procedure.
Both the prostate and the penis are numbed. The Rezum device is inserted, a needle is deployed, and vapor is injected into the prostate for nine seconds. This vapor disperses between cells, then cools, releases heat, and gently disrupts the prostate’s cells.
Because of the initial swelling, a catheter is then inserted, which will remain for two to five days. The catheter is hooked to a bag that stays on the leg and is covered by pants. A driver is required to take the patient home.
What to Expect After Rezum
After the Rezum procedure, the body creates an inflammatory response, which takes two to four months to completely resolve. Initially, there will be swelling in the prostate, which can cause restriction of flow and cause more difficulty and frequency of urination.
Symptoms will get worse before they get better. Generally, at two weeks symptoms begin to stabilize. At four weeks, patients are back where they were before the procedure, and at six weeks patients start to get off medication.
Erections are not affected by the Rezum procedure. There is a one to two percent chance of retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when semen enters the bladder instead of the penis, causing very little to no semen to be ejaculated. This is a significantly lower percentage than in other prostate procedures.
What Are the Potential Risks?
Potential risks associated with Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy include but are not limited to painful or frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, decrease in ejaculatory volume, urinary tract infection (UTI), inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder, and urgent need to urinate. Visit rezum.com for a complete list of risks, and talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before moving forward with any treatment option.