The Rezum system is a treatment indicated for cases of mild prostate enlargement with the aim of delaying the progression of the disease and improving the patient's quality of life.
This is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in cases where the prostate gland is smaller than 80cc. Rezum clears urinary obstruction without causing side effects such as retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm), erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, urethral stricture, or erectile dysfunction.
This is due to the nature of the procedure, in which steam is injected into the prostatic adenoma, remaining confined to that anatomical area without spreading beyond it. Because it does not penetrate the adenoma, it does not affect the capsule and, therefore, does not impair erections, as it does not damage the neurovascular bundles surrounding the prostate, the ejaculatory ducts, or the bladder neck.
Some of the reasons that make this technique a virtually harmless procedure are:
- It is an endoscopic procedure and, therefore, minimally invasive.
- The short and simple procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, under local, regional anesthesia or sedation.
- It preserves ejaculatory function in most patients.
- It does not preclude the application of other therapeutic techniques in the future.
Even so, although uncommon, like any surgical procedure, Rezum can cause some type of reaction or side effect. However, if it occurs, it is very mild.
The side effects of Rezum may include:
- Hematuria or blood in the urine. The Rezum system applies water vapor directly to the prostate. While minimally invasive, a potential complication is blood in the urine. To prevent or manage this, the best approach is to stay properly hydrated so that urination will flush out any bleeding.
- Urine infection. As with any endoscopic procedure, infection is possible. However, because it is a very short procedure and does not require a urinary catheter, the risk of infection is minimized. Furthermore, a dose of antibiotics is usually administered before surgery to provide an additional layer of protection against cystitis or prostatitis.
- Urethral stricture. This complication is associated with very prolonged procedures, so the appearance of narrowing in the urinary tract after a Rezum is exceptional.
- Urinary retentionWhen steam is administered, the prostate may become inflamed and cause urinary obstruction for a few days until the inflammation subsides. In this case, a bladder catheter will need to be inserted for a week.
In short, Rezum is a minimally invasive procedure with a very low side effect profile and a very favorable risk/benefit ratio, especially for men who want to improve urinary symptoms but do not want to risk their erection, continence, or ejaculation.
In the Clinical Guidelines of the European Association of Urology You can find more technical information about this procedure.
