Treatment method
Rezum
This method of treatment is a very short procedure, which in most cases lasts no more than 10 -15 minutes.
Rezum steam ablation of the
prostate is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostate enlargement.
Under endoscopic control, sterile steam is injected into the prostate tissue to be treated. The inner zone of the
prostate is treated, which causes the enlargement of the
prostate and thus the complaints. Through contact with the tissue, the water vapor returns to its liquid state, releasing the stored thermal energy. This energy acts directly on the cells in the treatment area. The released heat energy damages and breaks down the cells in the treatment area. This leads to shrinkage of the
prostate, so that after a few weeks, depending on the size of the
prostate, the way is free for urine to flow. After the treatment, patients* receive a urethral catheter, which can be removed after a few days.
Our experts on the subject of Rezum
"The procedure takes only a few minutes. Furthermore, no tissue is removed immediately, so there is no wound area. This also allows the procedure to be performed on an outpatient basis with only a superficial anesthetic."
For whom is the procedure suitable?
The procedure is particularly suitable for patients with small and medium prostate volume up to approx. 80 ml. Since no tissue is removed, the procedure is also possible under local anesthesia or sedation. Spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia is therefore not mandatory. Due to the fact that in most cases the ejaculation can be spared and the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, it is also suitable for younger patients, as it represents a middle ground between medication and tissue ablation procedures.
What are the advantages of this procedure?
Since there is no spread of heat beyond the
prostate, incontinence is virtually eliminated. Seed discharge is also almost unaffected. In addition, it is a very short procedure, lasting no more than 10-15 minutes in most cases. Since no tissue is removed, the risk of post-operative bleeding or impairment due to wound healing is also minimal.
What are the known risks and disadvantages?
Long-term efficacy data over 5 years are now available for Rezum. These data showed that the rate of patients who needed a new operation was about 5%. The number of patients who need medication again is about 11%. In contrast to other techniques, the effect of the operation is not immediate, so that in some cases an improvement is only noticed after a few weeks. In addition, depending on the size of the prostate, a urethral catheter is required for a few days.
Member of the Swiss Society of Urology
Member of the Quality Register of the Swiss Society of Urology
Certified cooperation partner of the German Cancer Society
Certified medical advice center of the German Continence Society
