Water Vapor Thermal Therapy in Men With Prostate Volume ≥80 cm³: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

To determine the safety and effectiveness of water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) in men with large prostate volumes of at least 80cm³.

We performed systematic searches for studies of Rezum therapy in men with prostate volume of at least 80 cm³. Meta-analysis outcomes included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life (IPSS-QOL), Qmax, postvoid residual, International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF), and serious (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V) complications, surgical retreatments. Outcomes were analyzed using a random effects meta-analysis model.

The review included 15 studies (11 retrospective) of 471 men with prostate volume at least 80 cm³ treated with Rezum therapy and followed for a median of 6months (range: 3-17months). Rezum therapy resulted in statistically significant improvements in IPSS (mean change: -11.0; 95% CI: -12.2, -9.7; P < .001), IPSS-QOL (mean change: -2.9; 95% CI: -3.5, -2.4; P < .001), Qmax (mean change: 6.5 mL/s; 95% CI: 4.8, 8.2 mL/s; P < .001), and postvoid residual (mean change: -101 mL; 95% CI: -145, -57; P < .001). No change in IIEF-EF was observed (mean change: 0.3; 95% CI: -1.1, 1.6; P = .71). Serious complications occurred in <0.1% (95% CI: 0.0%, 0.4%) and surgical retreatment in 1.2% (95% CI: 0.0%, 3.5%) of patients.

Rezum therapy provides a statistically significant and clinically important short-term improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms with low complication rates in men with prostate volume of at least 80 cm³. Long-term outcomes with Rezum therapy in large prostates remain unclear.