Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urologic condition among middle-aged and older men that can significantly reduce quality of life by causing urinary symptoms. If left untreated, it may lead to complications such as decreased bladder function, increased residual urine, and urinary tract infections. In recent years, a newer medical technology known as Rezum therapy has been increasingly used because it improves upon some limitations of conventional prostate surgery while maintaining safety and treatment effectiveness.
Rezum therapy was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. In Korea, it received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2022 and was officially recognized as a new medical technology by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2023. The procedure works by injecting water vapor heated to approximately 103 degrees Celsius directly into enlarged prostate tissue. This causes the targeted tissue to undergo necrosis, after which the body gradually absorbs it, leading to a reduction in prostate size.
One of the main advantages of Rezum therapy is that it is a minimally invasive procedure performed without surgical incisions. Another important benefit is that it can often be performed under local anesthesia, reducing the physical burden on patients.
The procedure is performed by inserting an endoscope through the urethra and delivering water vapor into the prostate tissue using a small needle. The vapor remains primarily within the enlarged prostate tissue, minimizing damage to surrounding normal structures. In addition, the urethral mucosa can be preserved, which lowers the risk of complications such as bleeding or infection. The procedure itself is relatively quick, typically taking about 10 to 20 minutes.
Rezum therapy is particularly suitable for elderly patients or those with cardiovascular conditions who may be at higher risk with general anesthesia, as well as for patients concerned about recurrence. The Rezum system can generally be applied to men aged 50 years or older with prostate sizes between approximately 30 and 80 cubic centimeters.
Another notable advantage is its low recurrence rate. According to five-year follow-up studies, key indicators such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life, and maximum urinary flow rate all showed significant improvement after Rezum therapy. The retreatment rate was reported to be only about 4.4 percent, indicating durable long-term effectiveness.
However, because Rezum therapy works by causing prostate tissue necrosis followed by gradual absorption within the body, symptom relief does not occur immediately after the procedure. Instead, improvement typically appears gradually over several weeks to months. Patients should also be aware that a urinary catheter may need to be used for a short period after the procedure.
Dr. Kim Tae-heon of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Seoul Station branch explained that the appropriate treatment for BPH depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the size of the prostate, and the patient’s overall health condition. He noted that Rezum therapy is considered a treatment option with relatively low burden and quick recovery. He also advised that patients experiencing urinary symptoms should visit a hospital early for a precise diagnosis and choose the most suitable treatment option, whether Rezum therapy, HoLEP surgery, aquablation, or other available treatments, based on their individual condition.