The treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia using the water vapor technique consists of the administration of small amounts of steam heated by radiofrequency directly into the prostate, with access through the urethra, destroying the cells causing the obstruction and reducing the overall size of the prostate, relieving the symptoms and the underlying problem.
Hospiten offers this minimally invasive technique, which has important benefits for the patient since it is performed on an outpatient basis and maintains the patient's sexual function.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects half of the male population from the age of 50 on, and almost 100% from the age of 80 on. It should be stressed that this is not a prostate cancer, but it has a marked effect on the patient’s quality of life by increasing the frequency and urgency of the need to urinate. So, if left untreated, benign prostate hyperplasia may lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage or urinary incontinence.
The technique, using the Rezum system, is performed under sedation, without the need for general anesthesia or hospital admission, in a single appointment. Thus, the patient can go home the same day with a catheter that will be removed in the hospital a week later.
Most patients can opt for the technique, especially those who do not wish to undergo an invasive treatment and those for whom prescribed medical treatment does not work effectively, but the most important factor in considering the treatment is the size of the prostate. Another important aspect that it is apt for patients of advanced age, whose condition may be complex and high risk, as the procedure has very few complications and side effects because it is minimally invasive.
When carried out correctly, any side effects of the treatment are usually mild and temporary, and may include a little blood in the urine, itching or discomfort when urinating. On the other hand, the benefits of the technique are usually noticed two weeks after the procedure, but they will be fully appreciated around six months after treatment.
Another advantage of this technique is that it does not affect the performance of any future techniques in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, be it surgical or pharmacological.