As leading urologists and state-of-the-art technology collaborated to provide a novel treatment method for the first time in eastern India, the city was abuzz with excitement. A highly regarded, minimally invasive treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is Rezum Water Vapor Therapy.

This was officially introduced in Eastern India in the presence of Smt. Ballari Chattopadhyay, Head of Corporate Communications Samaritan Medical, Surgical & Critical Care, Dr. Amlan Chakraborty, Dr. Smaranjit Chatterjee, Dr. Kaushik Sarkar, Dr. Souvik Chatterjee, Dr. Nilanjan Mitra, Dr Sunirmal Choudhury (Secretary of Bengal Urology Society) and other eminent dignitaries.

An estimated 28.1 million men in India alone suffer from BPH, making it one of the most frequent urological illnesses in the nation. About 50–60% of males over 60 and up to 90% of men between 70 and 80 are affected by the disorder. Inconvenient urinary symptoms like frequent urination, a weak urine stream, irregular flow, straining, urgency, and nocturia (waking up at night to urinate) can result from the prostate pressing against the urethra as it grows. Effective therapy is crucial since these symptoms have the potential to seriously interfere with day-to-day functioning.

In March 2024, Rezum Water Vapor Therapy made its debut in India, despite having been initially offered in the United States in 2017. Steam is used in this novel, minimally invasive procedure to reduce and return the prostate gland to its natural size. Steam of 103 degrees Celsius is administered via a specialized needle throughout the five-minute operation. After water is evaporated by the radiofrequency generator, steam is produced and delivered into the prostate tissue. By shrinking the prostate tissue that is causing the obstruction, this targeted heat energy helps to alleviate discomfort.

The prostate weighs 20 to 25 grams normally, but when BPH occurs, it enlarges, causing problems with the urine, pain, bleeding, and other consequences. Although there are several surgical methods available for treating BPH, Rezum provides a very successful and minimally intrusive substitute. Targeting the underlying source of BPH symptoms, the process delivers heat energy directly to the obstructive tissue using precisely calibrated doses of water vapor. Every 9-second treatment cycle consumes 0.42 milliliters of heated, sterile water vapor.

Compared to typical operations, Rezum Water Vapor Therapy has a far lower risk of complications and maintains sexual and urine function. Within two weeks, patients usually see a considerable improvement, and over the following three months, the benefits continue. Better urine flow and symptom relief are the results of the body’s slow reabsorption of the treated tissue, which also lowers the prostate’s volume and relieves pressure on the urethra.

Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is rapidly taking the lead as the go-to option for men with BPH since it provides a long-lasting, safe, and patient-friendly remedy with a speedy recovery.

Priyanka Dutta