Anatomy
How is Rezum performed?
Water vapor (103°C) is injected into the prostate tissue from a device in the urethra. The vapor spreads through the tissue and causes cell death; the enlarged prostate shrinks over time.
FDA-approved water vapor therapy. The only BPH treatment that is outpatient, performed under local anesthesia, and preserves sexual function.
Rezum is a next-generation, minimally invasive treatment used in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Sterile water vapor at 103°C is injected into the prostate tissue with an endoscopic needle, causing the enlarged cells to break down naturally.
Rezum stands out as the only BPH treatment that preserves sexual function. Retrograde ejaculation, seen in 75–85% of surgical methods, is below 5% with Rezum. This makes it unique for men with an active sex life.
It received FDA approval in 2015 and European CE approval in 2016, and is performed at a limited number of centers in Turkey.
Water vapor (103°C) is injected into the prostate tissue from a device in the urethra. The vapor spreads through the tissue and causes cell death; the enlarged prostate shrinks over time.
The Rezum procedure is done as an outpatient, in an office or hospital setting. The patient goes home the same day.
Prostate size and structure are assessed with PSA, uroflowmetry and ultrasound. Suitability for Rezum is determined.
Local anesthesia or mild sedation is applied. No general anesthesia is needed. The patient undergoes the procedure awake and pain-free.
The endoscope is advanced through the urethra to prostate level. 4–10 vapor injections, each lasting 9 seconds, are performed. The whole procedure takes 5–10 minutes.
Discharge with a catheter. The catheter is removed in 3–5 days. The effect begins in weeks 2–4, with the maximum result at month 3.
Water vapor is delivered to the enlarged prostate from multiple points in both lobes. Each injection targets a specific portion of the tissue.
The quality-of-life advantages Rezum offers compared with surgical treatments.
Normal ejaculation is preserved in 95% of patients. In HoLEP and TUR-P this rate is 15–25%.
There is no hospital stay. 1–2 hours of observation after the procedure, then home.
No general anesthesia risk. A safe option for cardiac and pulmonary patients and older individuals.
Return to work in 2–3 days. HoLEP and TUR-P require at least a week.
The vast majority of patients can stop their BPH medications completely after treatment.
In 5-year follow-up studies, 95% of patients are satisfied with the treatment. Recurrence rate is 4–5%.
The water vapor from the needle spreads through the prostate tissue, creating controlled cell death; over time the tissue shrinks and the pressure on the urethra decreases.
Evidence-based answers to common questions about Rezum treatment.
It is done under local anesthesia and no pain is felt. There may be mild burning and urgency for 1–2 weeks after the procedure; this is easily managed with simple painkillers.
Rezum is a "slow-acting" treatment. The effect begins in 2–4 weeks and the maximum result is achieved at month 3. This period depends on the body absorbing the treated tissue.
Rezum fully preserves sexual function. Normal ejaculation continues in 95% of patients. No deterioration in erectile function is seen; some patients even report improved sexual performance as the side effects of BPH medications disappear.
It gives the best results for prostates between 30–80 grams. Above 80 grams, HoLEP is a better option.
At the 3-month check, medications are gradually reduced with your doctor's assessment. The vast majority of patients can stop BPH medications completely after Rezum.
Bring your PSA, uroflowmetry and ultrasound results. Based on your prostate volume, let's assess together whether Rezum is the right treatment.