Water vapor thermal therapy improves urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

This study reviewed the effectiveness of water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) as a treatment for urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers suggested that this therapy improves the outcomes of these patients.

BPH consists of the enlargement of the prostate gland and is a common condition in older men. It can cause urinary symptoms such as incontinence (urine leakage) or difficulties initiating urination. Around 12% of men with BPH aged 40 to 49 years reported urinary symptoms.

Medication such as alpha-blockers is the recommended first-line treatment. However, most patients stop this treatment after 1 year due to side effects. In patients who fail first-line treatment, surgery is recommended for the durable relief of the symptoms. However, this too is associated with different complications such as erectile dysfunction.

WVTT is a minimally invasive procedure consisting of delivering thermal energy in the form of steam to the prostate tissue blocking urine flow. It can be used to treat BHP-related urinary symptoms by delivering it through the urethra (urinary tube). This will remove excess prostatic tissue, decreasing the prostate size, and urinary symptoms. Prior studies showed that this method is associated with low re-treatment rates and has no effect on sexual function. However, the effectiveness and safety of WVTT in treating BPH-related urinary symptoms is not well known.

This study reviewed information from 4 other studies on WVTT. It included information about 514 patients with BPH. 40% of these patients had median lobe obstruction (blockage of the flow of urine). The average follow-up was 2 years.

Urinary symptoms, quality of life, urine flow rate, and BPH impact improved after 3 months and were sustained at 4 years. Surgery re-treatment rate was 7% at 4 years follow-up.

The most common mild to moderate side effects were discomfort while urinating, urinary retention, and infection. No new cases of sexual dysfunction were reported.

This study concluded that water vapor thermal therapy might be a good treatment option for BPH-related urinary symptoms.

This study was based on information from medical records. Data may have been missing. Further studies are needed.