Rezum
Introduced to the UK in 2017, with over 8500 cases now performed in the UK, this minimally invasive treatment followed 3 years behind the Urolift procedure.
Unlike many technologies gone before, this treatment employs the use of convective heat delivery rather than conductive. A water droplet is heated up to 103 degrees Celsius using radiofrequency energy with each droplet delivered as steam under low pressure. The internal anatomy of the prostate gland ensuring that heat energy is confined to the zone of the gland in to which it is injected, thereby minimising the likelihood of harmful side-effects. Each handpiece can deliver up to 15 treatments of water vapour or steam, which is more than enough to tackle prostate glands up to 80 mls in volume (or in some cases a little larger). The procedure is very quick to perform, and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic. The steam destroys or ablates the prostate tissue and by 3 months after the procedure the gland volume has usually reduced by one third, allowing for the easier passage of urine through the prostate gland. In June 2021 NICE in the UK recommended this technology and suggested it would be most suitable for gland volumes between 30 to 80 mls. A catheter is required for a number of days after the procedure.
Advantages of Rezum
- Fast, effective and, precise BPH treatment
- Ablates targeted tissue, which is then resorbed
- Treats enlarged central zones and/or median lobes
- Clinically proven, safe and effective
- Preserves sexual and urinary functions
- Rapid return to normal activities.
What type of patients may benefit from the Rezūm procedure to treat BPH?
- Men who have elected to discontinue or who have chosen not to take BPH medications
- Men who are not receptive to other minimally invasive or surgical BPH procedures
- Men who have indicated they aren’t bothered enough by their symptoms to elect an invasive surgical procedure
How do I know if Rezūm therapy is a good treatment option for me?
- Your urologist will consult with you to determine if Rezūm water vapour therapy is a good treatment option for you based on your symptoms and personal treatment goals.
- The Rezūm System is indicated for men 50 years and older with a prostate volume of ≥ 30cm3 and ≤80cm3.
- The Rezūm System is also indicated for treatment of prostate with hyperplasia of the central zone and/or a median lobe
- The use of the Rezūm System is contraindicated for patients with a urinary implant or who have a penile prosthesis.
Watch the videos
Having Rezum treatment privately
Following a consultation, should you be suitable for Rezum and wish to have the procedure, this can either be through your medical insurer if they approve it, or self funding.
For self funding patients, the procedure costs in the region of £4100- £5700, depending on where you have the procedure.
This video below summarises the options to consider with Rezum treatment. The video was funded by NHS England and produced by Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley (formerly Oxford AHSN), working with clinicians from the Frimley Health and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts. Neil Barber was involved in the clinical team to provide expertise and knowledge for this patient information.