Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that causes prostate enlargement, leading to symptoms such as frequent nighttime urination, difficulty urinating, and weak or intermittent urine flow. Doctors typically recommend various treatment options for this condition, including Rezum therapy (steam treatment) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). But which one is superior?
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Understanding Rezum Therapy and TURP for BPH
Before determining which treatment is superior, let’s first understand what Rezum therapy and TURP are and how they work in managing BPH.
Rezum Therapy
Rezum therapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure for treating BPH. It provides long-term relief from prostate enlargement symptoms.
Before the procedure, the doctor administers regional anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. During the procedure, a urologist inserts a long, thin tube into the urethra. A small needle at the tube’s tip releases steam into the enlarged prostate tissue. The steam destroys excess prostate cells, causing the enlarged area to shrink over time.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
TURP is a surgical procedure to relieve urinary problems caused by BPH.
In this procedure, a surgeon inserts a device called a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). The resectoscope allows the surgeon to see and remove excess prostate tissue that blocks urine flow.
Risks of Rezum Therapy and TURP
To determine which procedure is superior, it is important to understand the risks of each treatment. Here are the potential risks associated with both procedures:
Risks of Rezum Therapy
Rezum therapy is considered a safe and effective treatment for BPH, but like any medical procedure, it carries some risks, including:
- Blood in urine or semen
- Reduced ejaculate volume
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate for 1–2 weeks
- Burning sensation during urination for 1–2 weeks
Risks of TURP
Some risks of TURP include:
- Temporary difficulty urinating – This may last for several days post-procedure, requiring a catheter to drain urine.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) – The risk of infection increases the longer a catheter is used, and some men experience recurrent UTIs after TURP.
- Dry orgasm (retrograde ejaculation) – Semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis. While harmless, this can cause fertility issues.
- Erectile dysfunction – Some men experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection after TURP.
- Heavy bleeding – In rare cases, excessive bleeding during TURP may require a blood transfusion.
- Urinary incontinence – Loss of bladder control may be a long-term side effect.
- Low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) – In rare cases, the body absorbs too much fluid during TURP, leading to an imbalance known as TURP syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
- Need for repeat treatment – Some men require further treatment if symptoms return or if TURP leads to urethral or bladder neck narrowing (stricture).
Which Is the Better Option?
Compared to Rezum therapy, TURP is a more invasive procedure since it involves removing prostate tissue. Although TURP is considered highly effective, it comes with a longer recovery time and higher risks of side effects.
If you prefer a less invasive treatment with fewer risks and a faster recovery period, Rezum therapy may be the better choice for managing BPH.
Advantages of Rezum Therapy
Rezum therapy is a safe and effective treatment for BPH with long-term benefits, including:
- No need for long-term medication
- Symptom relief within weeks
- No impact on sexual function (erection and ejaculation remain unaffected)
- Outpatient procedure (patients can go home the same day)
- No general anesthesia required
- Quick recovery time
- Can be repeated if BPH symptoms recur
If you’re considering Rezum therapy, visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, where we offer this treatment at an affordable price. Our Urology Center is equipped with advanced medical technology and a team of expert specialists ready to provide the best care.
For easy appointment booking, queue number tracking, and more information, use our WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store.
