Treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia using the Rezum® water vapor therapy system: Results at one year

To report the results of convective radiofrequency (RF) water vapor thermal therapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with one-year follow-up evaluation.

The study was conducted in 2 French hospitals, for men with moderate to severe LUTS secondary to BPH, as an alternative to classical surgery treatment. The pre- and postoperative evaluation of urinary symptomatology was based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, measures of peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) and post-void residual volume (PVR). Erectile and ejaculatory functions were evaluated via the IIEF5 and MSHQ-ejd questionnaires. Rates of retreatment and complications were also reported.

Sixty-two outpatients including 8 with urinary retention were treated. The median preoperative prostate volume was 47 (27-200) mL. At 6months postoperative, the IPSS had decreased significantly by 13.9 points (68.1%, P<0.001) and, at one year, by 12 points (61.5%, P<0.001). The quality of life (QoL) score at one year had decreased by 3.2 points (P<0.001) and the Qmax had improved by 6mL/s (P<0.001). All patients with urinary retention were weaned from bladder catheterization. No serious side effects (>Clavien II) were observed. No cases of de novo erectile dysfunction and an anejaculation rate of 10.8% was reported. The surgical retreatment rate at one year was 2.1%.

The short-term results are encouraging, with significant efficacy on urinary symptoms and respect of sexual function. Nevertheless, it will be necessary to pursue the follow-up of this cohort to evaluate the mid-term and long-term evolution.

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