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Rezum for treating lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia

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2 The technology

Technology

Rezum is water vapour (steam) therapy for treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The technology uses water vapour to destroy excess prostate tissue with the aim of relieving symptoms.

The water vapour is injected through a single-use device attached to a urological endoscope into the prostate. The process is intended to disrupt cell membranes, leading to cell death and shrinking the prostate. The intention is to relieve obstructive symptoms without interfering with surrounding tissues that might impair sexual function.

The vapour is injected for 9 seconds during treatment. The number of times this has to be done in each lobe of the prostate depends on the length of the prostatic urethra. It can be customised to the configuration of the gland. A maximum number of 15 full treatments can be done with each delivery device. The procedure is done under local, regional or general anaesthesia and lasts up to 20 minutes.

Innovative aspects

Rezum differs from other prostate treatments because it uses water vapour thermal energy. It does not use a laser and can be used to treat both the median lobe and an enlarged central zone.

Intended use

Rezum is intended for the treatment of prostates with volumes greater than 30 cm3 (equivalent to 30 g).

The instructions for use state that Rezum is contraindicated for patients:

• with a urinary sphincter implant

• who have a penile prosthesis.

Costs

The typical consumable cost of the Rezum procedure is estimated at £1,348 (excluding VAT) per treatment. The company supplies the generator, which is loaned free of charge. The company also provides servicing including maintenance and other services (i.e. software update) free of charge.

For more details, see the website for Rezum.