REZUM Therapy System

Introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a common medical condition in males over 50 years of age and is not usually a serious threat to health. In the United Kingdom the number of men with symptomatic BPH who require a surgical treatment is projected at 25,000 annual incidences.

The REZUM Therapy system consists of a portable radiofrequency (RF) generator and Delivery Device to heat up a controlled amount of water in the Delivery Device outside of the body, converting the water into vapour or steam which is delivered into the prostate tissue that causes BPH. 

 

How is the treatment performed

RF energy from the generator is applied to an inductive coil in the Delivery Device to create steam and this energy is delivered into the prostate tissue through emitter holes in the Delivery Device needle to ablate (destroy) the targeted obstructive prostate tissue that causes BPH. No RF energy is delivered to the body.

During the treatment, saline is delivered through the device to enable visualisation and to keep the urethra cool and protect it from the thermal effects of the vapour during treatments.

The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes in the operating theatre and can be performed in an Outpatient/ Day Surgery setting under local anaesthetic.  The change to local anaesthetic (LA) has been introduced in order to try and avoid a general anaesthetic (GA) and the possible risks, as yet unknown, relating to COVID-19 and intubation (placing a tube down into the patient’s airway as part of the GA).  

The REZUM System is intended to relieve the symptoms, obstruction and prostate tissue associated with BPH and is indicated for men with prostatic urethra lengths >2cm and prostate volumes >20 cm3. The REZUM System also is indicated for treatment of prostates with a median lobe or elevated central zone tissue.  

Benefits of the REZUM Therapy System

  • Preservation of sexual function
  • Significant improvement in BPH symptoms
  • A rapid return to normal daily activities
  • Fewer adverse events
  • A good alternative to offer patients with an improved quality of life
  • Carried out under a short local anaesthetic or sedation
  • A day case procedure

Summary

The REZUM Therapy System offers an alternative to standard BPH management.  The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recently approved its use within the NHS in the UK.

Mr Thilagarajah has undergone training in this procedure at the Hamshire Hospital in Basingstoke under the guidance of Professor Richard Hindley, who has been one of the early adopters of this exciting advance in BPH management.

If you would further information regarding this procedure, please contact our office or speak to a member of the Team when you are seen in clinic.