In a nutshell
This study looked at the use of water vapor heat therapy to treat urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – an enlarged prostate). The study found that water vapor therapy is safe and effective to treat urinary symptoms of BPH.
Some background
BPH is a common problem, particularly in older men. It can cause bladder problems such as leakage of urine. It is often treated with surgical procedures that remove extra prostate tissue. However, this can cause side effects such as reduced sexual function and quality of life. Water vapor therapy is a relatively new technique that uses the heat of water vapor to remove some of the extra prostate tissue. It is necessary to research if this is a safe and effective way to treat bladder symptoms of BPH.
Methods & findings
The study was a review of the current research available on water vapor therapy. A total of 262 men were included, who were followed-up for 2 years. All men were treated with water vapor heat therapy.
Overall, 51% of patients had significantly reduced prostate symptoms at 2 years. These improvements were in urine flow and quality of life. There were no changes in sexual function.
87% of men with moderate to severe symptoms before treatment showed a clinically meaningful reduction in symptoms at 3 months. This was maintained at 2 years.
The bottom line
The study concluded that water vapor heat therapy is a safe and effective way to treat urinary symptoms of BPH.
The fine print
More research is needed on the long-term effects of this therapy.
What’s next?
Talk to your doctor about using water vapor heat therapy to treat BPH.
Published By :
Current urology reports
Date :
Oct 01, 2017
