Rezum (water-vapour thermal therapy)

Rezum treats an enlarged prostate by injecting short pulses of water vapour (steam) into the transition zone of the prostate through a fine needle. The steam condenses in the tissue, delivering heat that causes gradual necrosis and subsequent shrinkage of the obstructing portion of the prostate.

How Rezum works

A delivery tool is passed along the urethra. Under direct vision, 3-10 injections of steam (depending on prostate size and anatomy) are delivered into the lateral lobes and, if needed, the median lobe. Each injection lasts around 9 seconds. The immediate appearance is normal; the effect develops over the following weeks as the treated tissue shrinks.

Who Rezum suits

  • Men with a small-to-medium prostate, typically 30-80 cc.
  • Men who want to preserve antegrade ejaculation; preservation rates in published series are around 70-80%.
  • Men who are willing to wait several weeks for the full symptom benefit.

Rezum vs HoLEP

  • Mechanism. Rezum thermally ablates; HoLEP enucleates and removes tissue.
  • Size range. Rezum is less effective in very large glands.
  • Catheter after the procedure. A catheter is usually left in for a few days after Rezum (the swelling temporarily worsens obstruction). HoLEP usually allows catheter removal within 1-2 days.
  • Symptom relief. HoLEP produces a larger, faster improvement in flow rate and IPSS.
  • Durability. Rezum has 5-year data showing reasonable durability; HoLEP has 10-year data with lower retreatment rates.8
Where to book Rezum in Sydney. For Rezum and other non-laser procedures, please visit urologynsw.com.au.
Rezum - BAUS patient information rezum.pdf

Considering laser surgery for an enlarged prostate?

You can ask for a second opinion on your symptoms, flow studies and prostate size before deciding between medication, HoLEP, GreenLight, TURP, UroLift, Rezum or iTind.

Request a second opinion Call 02 8382 6980