Rezum Water Vapor Therapy in Pune
Dr. Rajesh Dhake > Rezum
Rezum Therapy for Enlarged Prostate (BPH) — A Modern Alternative to Surgery
What Is Rezum Water Vapor Therapy?
Rezum is a minimally invasive surgical therapy (MIST) that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor — steam — to shrink an enlarged prostate. Instead of cutting or removing tissue directly, the treatment delivers controlled bursts of sterile steam into the areas of the prostate that are pressing on the urethra and blocking normal urine flow.
Once the steam contacts the tissue, its stored energy is released internally. Over the following weeks, the body’s own healing process gradually absorbs the treated tissue, causing the prostate to shrink from the inside. As the extra tissue clears, the urethra opens back up, and urine flow improves.
In short: it treats the blockage without ever making a cut.
Who Is a Good for Rezum Therapy?
Rezum is generally suitable for men with:
- Bothersome BPH symptoms — weak stream, frequent urination, nighttime waking to urinate, or incomplete emptying
- Symptoms that haven’t responded well enough to medication
- A wish to avoid the recovery time and risks associated with traditional prostate surgery
- A desire to preserve sexual function, which Rezum is designed to protect compared to some other BPH procedures
It’s not the right fit for every prostate size or every patient, which is why an in-person evaluation and prostate assessment is the first step before recommending it.
Benefits of Choosing Rezum Over Traditional BPH Surgery
- No incisions — the treatment is delivered entirely through the urethra
- Quick procedure — usually completed in under an hour
- No prolonged hospital stay — most patients go home the same day
- Preserves sexual function — a meaningful advantage over some traditional BPH surgeries, which carry a higher risk of affecting ejaculation or erections
- Reduces or eliminates dependence on daily BPH medication and its long-term side effects
- Durable relief — symptom improvement has been shown to hold up well over several years for most patients
What to Expect During Recovery
Mild burning during urination, some blood in the urine, or an urgent need to urinate is common for a short period after the procedure and generally settles within a few days to a couple of weeks. A temporary catheter is usually used for several days while the swelling from treatment goes down. Symptom improvement isn’t always immediate — many patients notice steady gains over the following weeks as the treated tissue is absorbed and the urethra opens up.
Rezum vs. Traditional BPH Treatments
| Factor | Medication | Rezum Water Vapor Therapy | Traditional Surgery (e.g. TURP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incision | None | None | None (but more tissue removed) |
| Anesthesia | Not applicable | Local | General or spinal |
| Procedure time | Not applicable | Under an hour | Longer, more involved |
| Hospital stay | None | Usually none | Often 1–2 days |
| Effect on sexual function | Minimal | Generally preserved | Higher risk of impact |
| Ongoing medication needed | Yes, daily | Often reduced or stopped | Usually stopped |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rezum water vapor therapy used for?
Rezum is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, by using steam to shrink the tissue that’s blocking normal urine flow. It’s typically considered for men whose symptoms haven’t improved enough with medication and who want to avoid full surgical treatment.
Is Rezum therapy painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so discomfort during treatment is minimal. Afterward, some burning during urination or a temporary urge to urinate frequently is common but usually settles within days to a couple of weeks.
How long does it take to recover from Rezum therapy?
Most patients go home the same day and resume normal daily activity within a few days. A temporary urinary catheter is often used for several days while the treated tissue settles, and full symptom improvement develops gradually over the following weeks.
Does Rezum affect sexual function?
Rezum is specifically designed to target the obstructive prostate tissue while minimizing impact on the nerves and structures involved in sexual function, making it a preferred option for men concerned about this compared to some traditional BPH surgeries.
How is Rezum different from prostate surgery like TURP?
Rezum is minimally invasive, uses steam delivered through the urethra with no incisions, and is typically done as a quicker, outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. Traditional surgery like TURP removes more tissue directly, usually requires general or spinal anesthesia, and often involves a short hospital stay.
How long does the Rezum procedure itself take?
The procedure is usually completed in under an hour, and most patients are able to go home the same day without needing a prolonged hospital stay.
Who is a good candidate for Rezum therapy?
Rezum generally suits men with bothersome BPH symptoms — such as a weak stream, frequent urination, or nighttime waking to urinate — whose symptoms haven’t responded well enough to medication, and who want to avoid the recovery time and risks of traditional surgery.
Is Rezum suitable for every prostate size?
No, it’s not the right fit for every prostate size or every patient. An in-person evaluation and prostate assessment is the first step before Rezum is recommended, to confirm it’s a good match for the individual’s anatomy.
Will I still need to take BPH medication after Rezum?
For many patients, Rezum reduces or eliminates the need for ongoing daily BPH medication, though this depends on individual symptom response and is discussed during follow-up care.
How long does the benefit of Rezum last?
Studies have shown that symptom improvement from Rezum holds up well over several years for most patients, making it a durable option rather than a short-term fix.
