Rezum is a minimally invasive, in-office procedure for men with mild to moderately enlarged prostates. It involves injecting hot water vapor (steam) directly into the part of the prostate that compresses the urethra. This heated vapor results in a shrinking of the enlarged tissue over a period of several weeks.
Rezum is a Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapy (MIST). It offers a low risk of post procedural leakage and ejaculatory dysfunction, while resulting in a significant improvement in bothersome prostate symptoms. Factors to consider with Rezum include the need for a catheter after surgery and a short period of urinary urgency and frequency following the procedure.
“One of the key benefits of Rezum is that patients have the option of having a quick procedure performed in the office under very light sedation to help them relax,” says Dr. Gopal Narang, Assistant Professor of Urology at UNC. He, along with Dr. Davis Viprakasit, Associate Professor of Urology, are trained to perform the procedure. Alternatively, patients can choose to have Rezum performed under general anesthesia in the operating room.
“A real advantage of Rezum is the ability to relieve lower urinary tract obstruction with less concern for affecting sexual function, even in patients with different prostate anatomy such as obstructing median lobes,” says Dr. Viprakasit. “It can be a very appealing option for men who are hoping to stop daily medication therapy or those not yet ready for a more definitive procedure.”
Offering procedures such as Rezum allows UNC Urology to provide a full range of comprehensive treatment options to patients, according to Dr. Narang.
“What is most exciting and gratifying for me is being able to offer patients multiple treatment modalities that align with whatever their goals are, and still achieve the improvement we’re seeking. We can make decisions in a shared, collaborative way.”
Dr. Gopal Narang
Assistant Professor of Urology
If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about these procedures or related urologic topics, you may visit our website’s Patient Care section, or meet with a provider by contacting one of our UNC Urology clinic locations.
About Our Ahead of the Curve Series
Our “Ahead of the Curve” blog series covers the latest and most effective treatments and techniques in UNC Urology patient care. Urology is a complex and rapidly evolving field, with new advancements and breakthroughs constantly emerging. In this series, we will explore a range of topics related to urology patient care, including advanced surgical procedures, innovative diagnostic techniques, and innovative medical therapies. Our goal is to provide you with an overview of the excellence and innovation happening right here at UNC Urology.