New approach for prostate enlargement: What's available?
Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (WVTT), such as Rezum, has shown a high success rate in treating an enlarged prostate (BPH). This minimally invasive procedure offers significant relief of urinary symptoms and reduction in prostate size, with most men experiencing noticeable improvement within weeks to months after treatment. The effects are reported to last several years.
The mechanism behind WVTT involves the injection of steam into the prostate, which generates thermal energy to ablate excess tissue, leading to cell death and subsequent prostate shrinkage that relieves urethral obstruction.
The side effects of WVTT are generally mild to moderate and temporary. Common side effects include urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort during or shortly after the procedure, minor blood in urine or semen, temporary difficulty urinating or urinary retention, and, rarely, urinary tract infection. More serious side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence are uncommon compared to traditional surgical treatments.
Lifestyle changes, such as drinking less in the evening, reducing alcohol, caffeine, and artificially sweetened drinks, and practicing double voiding, can also help manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Other pharmacological treatments include alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, while treatments like prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) and prostate artery embolization (PAE) aim to relieve pressure on the urethra in different ways.
Compared to other minimally invasive options, WVTT stands out for its high success rates in symptom relief for BPH, with predominantly mild, transient side effects, and excellent preservation of sexual and urinary function. It is a suitable option for men seeking a less invasive alternative to surgery with a favorable benefit-risk profile.
For those with a very enlarged prostate, more invasive procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy may be necessary. In some cases, urinary diversion, implanted sacral nerve root stimulation, or bladder training might also be beneficial.
It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual health conditions and symptoms.
References:
- American Urological Association. (n.d.). Water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/clinical-practice-guidelines/male-lower-urinary-tract-dysfunction-guidelines/water-vapor-thermal-therapy-wvtt-for-the-treatment-of-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph
- Aquablation. (n.d.). Aquablation therapy. Retrieved from https://www.aquablation.com/patients/what-is-aquablation/
- Water Vapor Thermal Therapy (WVTT), such as Rezum, can improve urinary health in men with an enlarged prostate (BPH).
- This procedure offering relief from urinary symptoms and reduction in prostate size has shown significant success rates.
- The mechanism behind WVTT involves the injection of steam into the prostate, generating thermal energy and causing excess tissue ablation.
- The side effects of WVTT are generally mild to moderate, temporary, and include urinary urgency, frequency, and discomfort.
- Other common side effects include minor blood in urine or semen, difficulty urinating, and urinary retention.
- More serious side effects like erectile dysfunction and incontinence are rare compared to traditional surgical treatments.
- Lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including drinking less in the evening and reducing alcohol, caffeine, and artificially sweetened drinks.
- Pharmacological treatments include alpha-blockers and 5- alpha-reductase inhibitors, while other minimally invasive options like prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) and prostate artery embolization (PAE) are also available.
- WVTT stands out for its high success rate in symptom relief for BPH, with predominantly mild and transient side effects.
- It offers excellent preservation of sexual and urinary function, making it a suitable option for men seeking a less invasive alternative to surgery.
- For those with a very enlarged prostate, more invasive procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy may be necessary.
- In some cases, urinary diversion, implanted sacral nerve root stimulation, or bladder training might also be beneficial.
- It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment option based on individual health conditions and symptoms.
- American Urological Association provides guidelines on the use of WVTT for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- Aquablation therapy is another WVTT option, aiming to provide relief from BPH symptoms.
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