This new surgical technique for the prostate is indicated in men who from 45 years of age onwards begin to have difficulties in emptying their urinary bladder or in younger patients with recurrent prostatic inflammatory processes (chronic prostatitis).
Patients due to prostate enlargement have the need to urinate two or more times during the night, emptying, sometimes incomplete emptying of the bladder, a feeling of urinary urgency, or a slow flow with postvoid dribbling. The size of the prostate is about the size of a walnut at 20 years of age, to the size of an orange at 60 years of age. In this way, the urethra is squeezed and makes it difficult for urine to pass through the prostate… It is estimated that this causes problems in more than half of all men over the age of 50.
The oral medical treatment used in prostate hyperplasia can be used alone or in combination, but, in any case, they tend to lose effectiveness with the passage of time and in a large percentage of cases cause alterations in one of the three pillars of the sexual sphere: libido, erection or ejaculation.
The usual surgical interventions existing until today, such as the classic transurethral resection of the prostate or the green laser or thulium laser techniques involve one or two hours of time in the operating room with a greater risk of bleeding and side effects in the sexual field, especially in ejaculation; but now, with this new surgical technique imported from the United States, the patient’s erection and ejaculation are safely preserved.
What does the REZUM Method surgical technique consist of?
This minimally invasive surgical technique consists of injecting water vapor into the hyperplastic prostate gland to produce a necrosis of the redundant tissue. Subsequently, the body itself absorbs this necrotic hyperplastic prostatic tissue, with minimal side effects and a success rate of 96% in most patients.
It requires about 20 minutes of time, steam is injected through radiofrequency energy. It is introduced through a needle through the urethra until it reaches the prostate gland. In about 10 seconds, a steam ball about two centimeters in diameter is produced, which releases high and precise doses of thermal energy. This destroys the excess prostate tissue that was obstructing the passage of urine.
This new surgical technique is safe, effective, minimally invasive, does not require general anesthesia, is an outpatient surgical procedure, i.e., the patient can go home the same day, there is hardly any bleeding and its side effects are very mild. This is quite an advance, considering that the most common medication for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) produces ejaculation alterations in 80% of the patients who take it.
What are the advantages of the REZUM system?
The REZUM system has many advantages, including its efficacy, simplicity, lower cost and the fact that the patient can return home a few hours after surgery without so much care, i.e. it is an outpatient surgical technique. Only 4.4% of patients require reoperation in a time interval of less than 1 year.
Furthermore, the patient can comfortably return home after undergoing this new procedure and continue the recovery there, which is usually quite fast, ensuring a prompt reactivation in work, sports and sexual practices.
Frequently asked questions about the Rezum Method
What does this new surgical technique for prostate treatment consist of?
It consists of an injection of water vapor through the urethral duct and is applied inside the hyperplastic prostatic glandular tissue.
How does the Rezum Vapor Method work?
The procedure performed with the Rezum Method causes cellular necrosis of the prostatic glandular tissue, the remains of which are subsequently eliminated by the body itself.
Is it a complicated procedure?
No. The Rezum Method is a minimally invasive, ambulatory, safe, simple technique that is performed in 20 minutes.
What type of anesthesia is used?
General anesthesia is not required. It can be performed under general sedation along with local anesthesia.
Which patients are suitable for this new surgical technique?
Patients who are candidates to undergo the Rezum method are men with prostate glands between 30-80 grams. It can also be performed in patients with more than 80 grams, but two sessions must be performed 6 months apart.
Can it be performed on patients at any age, or is there an age limit?
Yes, it can. The Rezum Method has no age limits: both elderly patients, over 80 years of age, and younger patients, under 50 years of age, can be treated. That is to say, from 21 years of age up to 100 years of age this surgical technique can be used.
Is there a risk of bleeding with this technique?
No. The Rezum Method produces minimal bleeding, similar to a blood test.
Can it cause sexual impotence or retrograde ejaculation as a side effect?
No, it does not have these side effects. One of the most important characteristics of the Rezum method is the preservation of the ejaculatory function. One of the advantages that patients appreciate the most is that it does not affect sexual functionality.
How long do I have to be hospitalized?
Normally, it is an outpatient procedure and does not require hospitalization. If it is necessary, it would be around 24 hours at the most.
Is the postoperative period painful?
Normally, recovery is not usually painful, however, the bladder catheter that is left in the postoperative period for 3-5 days can be somewhat uncomfortable.
There may also be symptoms similar to those of cystitis, such as itching when urinating and sometimes seeing a little blood in the urine after defecation or when performing small physical efforts in the first 2 months after surgery.
What are the medical indications in the postoperative period?
It is recommended to lead a quiet life to promote recovery, avoid strenuous activities that require physical effort, such as intense sports exercises or lifting weights.
It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and take the medications prescribed by your doctor.
Do not have sexual intercourse for 4 weeks after the procedure. Ejaculating too soon may cause pain and bleeding.