Rezūm Treatment for BPH in Alexandria & Woodbridge

The Rezūm System is one of the newest and emerging technologies to treat male urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate. Potomac Urology is proud to be the FIRST practice in the state of Virginia and the metro Washington D.C. area to bring this revolutionary technology to the community. We remain the most experienced practice with the Rezūm technology in the state of Virginia.

The technology uses water vapor (steam) therapy to relieve urinary symptoms. The steam allows the enlarged prostate tissue to shrink, thus improving your urination. Rezūm received FDA approval in 2015 for the treatment of BPH. The procedure is completed in the office with sedation anesthesia. A catheter is kept in place for a few days to allow any swelling in the prostate to resolve. As seen below, urinary symptoms will continue to improve even up to 6 months after treatment.

The technology uses water vapor (steam) therapy to relieve urinary symptoms. The steam allows the enlarged prostate tissue to shrink, thus improving your urination. Rezūm received FDA approval in 2015 for the treatment of BPH.

The procedure is completed in the office with sedation anesthesia. A catheter is kept in place for a few days to allow any swelling in the prostate to resolve. As seen below, urinary symptoms will continue to improve even up to 6 months after treatment.

Am I a Candidate for Rezum?

Rezum can be performed on men with urinary outflow obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate/BPH. It can be done on men with chronic medical conditions, and of advanced age, as an alternative to more invasive BPH surgeries. It is particularly indicated in men with prostates under 80 cc.

How Does the Rezum System Work?

How Is Rezum performed?

The Rezūm System uses sterile water vapor (steam) to address BPH by delivering targeted, controlled doses of stored thermal energy directly to the region of the prostate gland with the obstructive tissue that causes BPH.

Upon contact with the tissue, the vapor condenses into its liquid state, releasing the stored thermal energy contained within the vapor.  This thermal energy is released directly against the walls of the tissue cells within the treatment zone, gently and immediately denaturing the cell membranes, thereby causing almost instantaneous cell death.

Over time, the denatured tissue is absorbed by the body’s immune system response, and the reduction in hyperplastic tissue volume reduces the compression of the urethra, enabling improved urine flow.

What Are the Advantages of Rezum?

• The Rezūm procedure is designed to offer a treatment option and experience that minimizes the potential for the types of complications or side effects seen with medications or other more invasive procedures.
• Rezum is a quick in office procedure that lasts ~5 minutes and you can go home immediately afterwards.
• There is a low but real risk for retrograde ejaculation compared to other procedures.
• Unlike ProLEP and TURP, there is little to no risk of urinary incontinence.
• There is also little to no risk of erectile dysfunction.

What Are the Disadvantages?

• Compared to other more invasive procedures, the Rezum is less permanent. Data suggests that Rezum helps improve symptoms for 3 years. Efficacy beyond 3-4 years is not known.
• There is a need for a catheter for ~3-7 days after the procedure.
• Improvement following the procedure is gradual and usually takes ~3 months, but can take longer in some cases.
• In some patients, there is irritation of the urethra/bladder for 2-6 weeks.