The new technique is less invasive, does not require general anesthesia and has a lower risk of complications.
Men with benign hyperplasia (enlargement) of the prostate have a new treatment option. The procedure uses water vapor injections, takes about five minutes, and does not require general anesthesia.
Known as Rezum, the treatment was introduced in the country last year and more and more hospitals are starting to offer it to treat the condition, characterized by an enlargement of the prostate not related to cancer and common in middle-aged and older patients, from age 50 onwards, about 50% of men have the condition, according to urologist Ricardo Vita, a member of the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU).
See below the symptoms of the disease and the differences between the treatments available in Brazil.
What are the signs of an enlarged prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs due to the proliferation of cells in the prostate region and, in many cases, can lead to obstruction of the urinary tract. Therefore, the condition causes symptoms such as difficulty urinating, a weak or intermittent urine flow, and the feeling that the bladder is never completely empty.
It can also cause a frequent or urgent need to urinate and the need to urinate. waking up several times during the night to go to the bathroomnegatively impacting the patient’s quality of life. In more advanced cases, the use of a probe is necessary.
What are the traditional treatments?
Carlo Passerotti, urologist and coordinator of the Specialized Urology Center at German Oswaldo Cruz HospitalIn St. Paulsays traditional treatments for BPH are medications and surgery. Some patients need both.
For drug treatment, In Brazil, two types of drugs are used: one relaxes the prostate to make urination easier, and the other makes it shrink. But there are some side effects, mainly erectile dysfunction, loss of ejaculation, and postural hypotension (dizziness due to a drop in blood pressure). Because they don’t treat the cause, the drugs may be needed indefinitely.
As for the surgery, there are different types, from the most invasive, such as open prostatectomy, to the less invasive, with the use of laser. Risks associated with these procedures include bleeding during or after surgery, retrograde ejaculation (the sperm is ejaculated backwards instead of coming out through the penis), and the possible loss of the ability to maintain an erection.
“The risk of impotence and incontinence with Rezum is virtually zero, but the risk of other methods is also low: 1 percent risk of incontinence and 3 percent to 4 percent of impotence, depending on the surgeon’s experience,” says Passerotti. “The risk of retrograde ejaculation is 90 percent with other procedures and 10 percent with Rezum.”
How is the new procedure performed?
OR The procedure does not require incisions or general anesthesia — light sedation is used, similar to that of a digestive endoscopy. The process takes about five minutes and the patient can go home immediately after the sedation ends.
The treatment begins with the introduction of a small endoscope with a camera connected to a video monitor into the urethra. A thin needle and a vaporization device are also passed through it, which are brought to the region where the prostate is enlarged.
The steam generated by radiofrequency energy reaches the prostate cells causing their controlled death. This leads to the shrinking of the tissue that was blocking the urethra, reopening it. Tissue thinning usually begins two weeks after treatment and the full effect can be achieved within three months.
Who is the new treatment suitable for?
The method is indicated for men with BPH who are dissatisfied with the results of drug treatment, do not tolerate side effects, or do not want to use drugs, since the disease is progressive and the treatment lasts indefinitely. In addition, according to Vita, to be eligible, patients must have a prostate volume of between 30 and 80 cubic centimeters.
What are the advantages and disadvantages?
The main advantage is that the procedure is minimally invasive. There is no need for hospitalization and recovery is quick, with minimal pain and bleeding. In addition, it offers a high rate of preservation of ejaculatory function, with approximately 90% of patients maintaining this function.
“Recovery and return to daily activities are rapid, within a few days, with little or no pain or bleeding,” Vita says. However, the response can vary, as it depends on the functional reserve of the bladder and the personal experience of each man treated.
Among the disadvantages is the fact that the treatment is not available through the Unified Health System (SUS). In addition, its cost varies between R$ 16,000 and R$ 17,000 and health plans are not obliged to offer it: according to Passerotti, some operators have started covering the technique this year.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
