Rezum
Rezūm is a method by which steam energy is used to ablate (or remove) the particular part of the prostate that enlarges and causes symptoms due to BPH. Specific technical information is explained below.
This video gives a brief outline of the treatment and how it works
This system consists of a portable radiofrequency (RF) generator and delivery device that is introduced into the body via the urethra (transurethral approach) and guided by direct visualization through a telescopic lens placed within the delivery device.
RF energy from the generator is applied to an inductive coil in the delivery device to heat up a controlled amount of water outside of the body, converting the water into vapour or steam. The thermal energy created outside the body is delivered into the prostate tissue through a tiny needle with emitter holes to ablate the targeted obstructive prostate tissue that causes BPH. The procedure takes approximately 3 – 7 minutes and can be performed in a Day Surgery setting. No RF energy is delivered into the body.
Throughout the insertion of the device and during the treatment saline (salty water) is running to help ensure better views and to prevent the urethra from overheating.
The Rezūm System is intended to relieve the symptoms of obstruction and prostate tissue associated with BPH and is indicated for men with prostatic urethra lengths >2 .0 cm and prostate volumes >20 cm3. The Rezūm System also is indicated for treatment of prostates with a median lobe or elevated central zone tissue.
Rezum in the UK
Rezūm uses the natural energy stored in water vapour, or steam. It is a safe and effective treatment available to relieve symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The Rezūm System received CE Mark on 8th July 2013 and FDA clearance for use in the USA on 27th August 2015.
Rezum received NICE approval in the UK on 21 August 2018. This means it is now a recommended treatment for BPH on the NHS. However this does not mean it is available routinely across the NHS. It is dependent on each NHS trust and the treatments they decide to offer.
The North Hampshire Hospital is one of 5 centres in the UK that have been selected to start using this technology in the NHS. The data collected by these centres was presented to NICE prior to the approval in August 2018. We hope that additional centres will start offering the treatment throughout the UK. To find out where Rezum is available in the UK, please visit www.rezum.com
Professor Richard Hindley is the leading surgeon for this procedure in the UK, having been the first surgeon to carry out the treatment, and has now carried out over 200 cases in the UK both on the NHS and privately. He has also led Masterclass sessions to other consultants across the UK who are interested in offering the treatment within their hospitals.
Richard explains the journey for patients with BPH and the options available to them here
In November 2020, The BJU International published the latest findings in UK trial studies for Rezum which Richard Hindley and Amr Emara were involved with. Findings of this study can be read here .
Treatments for BPH have developed greatly over the past few years and the range of treatments available allows patients to choose the right procedure for them. This article in our news section covers the range of treatments and summarises the benefits of each. Read the article here .
Advantages of Rezum
- Fast, effective and, precise BPH treatment
- Ablates targeted tissue, which is then resorbed
- Treats enlarged central zones and/or median lobes
- Clinically proven, safe and effective
- Preserves sexual and urinary functions
- Rapid return to normal activities
What type of patients may benefit from the Rezūm procedure to treat BPH?
- Men who have elected to discontinue or who have chosen not to take BPH medications
- Men who are not receptive to other minimally invasive or surgical BPH procedures
- Men who have indicated they aren’t bothered enough by their symptoms to elect an invasive surgical procedure
How do I know if Rezūm therapy is a good treatment option for me?
Your urologist will consult with you to determine if Rezūm water vapour therapy is a good treatment option for you based on your symptoms and personal treatment goals.
The Rezūm System is indicated for men 50 years and older with a prostate volume of ≥ 30cm3 and ≤80cm3.
The Rezūm System is also indicated for treatment of prostate with hyperplasia of the central zone and/or a median lobe.
The use of the Rezūm System is contraindicated for patients with a urinary implant or who have a penile prosthesis.
This latest video from EAU (European Association of Urologists) includes a presentation from Richard Hindley on the use of Rezum as a Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment (MIST) to treat BPH
Having Rezum treatment privately.
Following a consultation, should you be suitable for Rezum and wish to have the procedure, this can either be through your medical insurer if they approve it, or self funding.
For self funding patients, the procedure costs in the region of £4100- £5700, depending on where you have the procedure.
This video below summarises the options to consider with Rezum treatment. The video was funded by NHS England and produced by Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley (formerly Oxford AHSN), working with clinicians from the Frimley Health and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trusts. Neil Barber was involved in the clinical team to provide expertise and knowledge for this patient information.
The following consultants offer this treatment:
Neil Barber; Richard Hindley; Simon Bott; Amr Emara; Andew Chetwood; Muddassar Hussain; Manar Malki
For further information, read our Rezum patient information leaflet here