Rezum vs Urolift: Two Top Treatments for BPH Treatment

Let’s break down the two newer, but well-studied treatment options for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Urolift and Rezum.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common medical condition that affects about 40 million men in the United States. The prostate is a small gland located below the neck of the bladder. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate, from the bladder and through the penis where urine flows out. As the prostate grows and enlarges (BPH) it begins to press on and obstruct the urethra causing symptoms such as frequent daytime urination, getting up at night frequently to urinate, a weak or slow stream, the feeling of not emptying the bladder completely, an urgent need to urinate, or difficulty starting a urinary stream. Although BPH is a benign condition, many men find it disruptive to their lives.

Rezum vs. Urolift:

Urolift
UroLift is a minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It helps treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate. UroLift permanent implants are delivered during an outpatient procedure, and they help relieve prostate obstruction without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. The UroLift system is the only leading BPH procedure that’s not shown to cause new onset, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction.

Rezum
Rezum is another new option for the treatment of BPH. Rezum works to improve urinary symptoms by inserting sterile water vapor (steam) into the prostate gland during nine second intervals. The procedure consists of 2-7 injections, each nine seconds long. Both the prostate and the penis are numbed. The Rezum device is inserted, a needle is deployed, and vapor is injected into the prostate for nine seconds. This vapor disperses between cells, then cools, releases heat, and gently disrupts the prostate’s cells. The procedure takes 1-2 hours in the office, depending on the size of the prostate. Due to swelling, a catheter is placed for a few days and removed in office. Urinary benefits usually are seen within a few weeks, improving within months.

A study comparing patient experience of those treated with the Urolift for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to those who received the Rezum steam injection was recently released. Results highlighted early positive experience following treatment with the UroLift. In comparison to Rezum, UroLift provides durable and lasting symptom relief and also allows men to return to a better quality of life.

The study compared 53 men with BPH who received treatment with either the UroLift or tissue ablation with the Rezum steam injection. In order to compare the post-operative patient experiences, the study measured symptom response, catheterization rates, and recovery and satisfaction at two months post-treatment.

Compared to Rezum, Urolift fared better in results and post procedure patient experiences – including better sexual function outcomes, less interference in daily activities and higher patient satisfaction following the procedure. More than twice as many patients who receive UroLift versus Rezum report being catheter-free at day three (93%), compared to those who receive Rezum (45%). At the 30-day mark post procedures, the symptom score was 45% better among patients treated with the UroLift than those treated with Rezum.

Additional study results note that 83% of patients treated with the UroLift reported they were satisfied with their treatment compared to 65% of patients treated with Rezum.

Urolift improved men’s urinary symptoms by 97%, compared to those treated with Rezum at 70%. Rapid recovery also allows men to return to their daily activities with minimal downtime.

Treatment with Rezum shouldn’t be discounted, however, and may be a more appropriate treatment option for some men with BPH.

Other than the TURP, all of the newer surgical procedures for BPH are good options. However, research has shown that Urolift tends to have the most favorable outcomes when it comes to fast urinary improvement, reliability of preservation of sexual function, little recovery time and a quick return-to-normal lifestyle.

If you are interested in discussing treatment options for BPH including Urolift and Rezum contact Austin Urology Institute to schedule an appointment with a provider at 512.694.8888.