In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate Rezum, a new method of treating an enlarged prostate. This study found that Rezum was safe and effective in the treatment of urinary symptoms in these patients.
Some background
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH can impede the flow of urine. This leads to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as dribbling of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Rezum is a treatment for BPH. It uses steam to treat the extra prostate tissue that is causing symptoms.
It is unclear how effective Rezum is.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed 5 other studies on Rezum therapy.
There was a reduction in symptoms by 45-60% with Rezum. Quality of life was improved by 37-59%.
The advantages of Rezum include medium-term improvements in LUTS. Also, if used as a first-line treatment, it reduces the risk of needed multiple medications and their side effects. Other advantages include usage in an outpatient setting, short duration of the procedure (an average of 8 minutes) and no need for general anesthesia. Rezum is associated with little or no sexual side effects as compared to other surgical procedures for BPH.
Among disadvantages, it involves mainly patients with smaller prostate sizes and smaller obstruction of urine flow.
The bottom line
This study found that Rezum was safe and effective in the treatment of LUTS for patients with BPH.
The fine print
Most of the studies had short follow-up periods and included low-risk patients. Further studies are needed.
Published By :
Current urology reports
Date :
May 31, 2019
