April 4, 2022 Author : Pedro Soares Complaints associated with the lower urinary tract are common and distressing urological symptoms in middle-aged men, resulting in a poor quality of life . In 40% of men over age 50, these symptoms are due to benign prostatic hyperplasia . Common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are: Increase in urinary frequency during day and night; Decreased force and caliber of the urinary stream; Hesitation and voiding effort; Urinary urgency; Urinary incontinence; Urinary retention. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia Over the years, several treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia have been developed. Medical pharmacological therapy may be effective for mild to moderate symptoms. However, in patients with moderate to severe symptoms that are refractory to medical therapy or when there are complications associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, like bladder stones, recurrent urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, urinary retention or renal failure, treatment usually requires surgery . Transurethral resection of the prostate remains the most commonly performed surgery and the standard technique for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Despite being a minimally invasive technique, it requires a considerable period of hospitalization and for recovery of activities of daily living and has an appreciable risk of complications, including sexual dysfunction, urethra stenosis, urinary incontinence, and hemorrhage. Endoscopic prostate vaporization or Rezum Endoscopic vaporization of the prostate, with the trade name Rezum , is a recent minimally invasive technique. It has good results in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and a good safety profile . Where indicated, endoscopic vaporization has shown results equivalent or superior to pharmacological treatment and endoscopic prostate resection, with a safe and effective relief of lower urinary tract symptoms. It does not have the inconveniences associated with these treatments, for example side effects of pharmacological treatment, need to be hospitalized for endoscopic resection, sexual function disorders, among others. In Rezum endoscopic vaporization , a small needle is inserted through the urethra, which is then directed and positioned in the prostate. C ontrolled doses of thermal energy in the form of water vapor are then applied inside the prostate, destroying the tissue of the organ that is attained. So, prostate tissue is eliminated, and the prostate shrinks; Urinary symptoms that were due to an enlarged prostate are relieved. In men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and a prostate volume greater than 30 mL, with or without associated middle lobe, Rezum endoscopic vaporization has shown the following benefits : It is an alternative to pharmacological therapy; Does not require general anesthesia or hospitalization; It safely and effectively relieves lower urinary tract symptoms; It preserves sexual and urinary function; It decreases the risk of bleeding, and can be performed in patients who are medicated with antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants; Allows return to daily activities within a few days. Meet the urology clinical team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
