Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy in Flagstaff, AZ
If an enlarged prostate is making urination difficult and medications are no longer providing enough relief, Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy may offer a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery. At Flagstaff Surgical Associates, we provide Rezūm treatment in Flagstaff, AZ to help qualifying patients reduce bothersome urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) while preserving quality of life.
What Is Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy?
Rezūm is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. The procedure uses the natural energy stored in sterile water vapor to reduce excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow.
As the treated tissue is gradually absorbed by the body over the following weeks and months, pressure on the urethra decreases, allowing urine to pass more easily. Unlike traditional prostate surgery, Rezūm does not require surgical incisions and is commonly performed in an outpatient setting.
Many men choose Rezūm because it offers lasting symptom improvement while minimizing recovery time compared to more invasive surgical procedures.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly develops as men age. As the prostate grows, it can compress the urethra and interfere with normal bladder emptying.
Common BPH symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Interrupted urine flow
- Dribbling after urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Frequent nighttime urination
Learn more about our comprehensive BPH treatment in Flagstaff and available management options.
Who May Be a Candidate for Rezūm?
Rezūm may be appropriate for men who:
- Have moderate to severe BPH symptoms
- Have not achieved adequate relief with medication
- Prefer a minimally invasive treatment
- Wish to avoid major prostate surgery
- Have an enlarged prostate confirmed by evaluation
Not every patient with urinary symptoms is a candidate for Rezūm. A comprehensive urologic evaluation is necessary to determine whether another treatment would provide better long-term results.
How Does Rezūm Work?
During the procedure, a specialized handheld device is inserted through the urethra. The physician delivers small amounts of sterile water vapor directly into the enlarged prostate tissue.
The thermal energy contained within the vapor causes targeted cells to break down while minimizing injury to surrounding structures. Over time, the body naturally removes the treated tissue, creating a wider channel for urine to flow.
The amount of treatment delivered depends on the size and shape of the prostate.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Rezūm is typically performed in the office or outpatient setting and usually requires only a short appointment.
The procedure generally includes:
- Local anesthesia or oral medication for comfort
- Placement of the treatment device through the urethra
- Several brief water vapor treatments within the prostate
- Temporary urinary catheter placement when appropriate
The actual treatment usually takes only a few minutes, although the total appointment is longer to allow for preparation and recovery.
Recovery After Rezūm
Most patients return home shortly after the procedure.
Temporary side effects may include:
- Burning with urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgency
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Mild pelvic discomfort
Some patients require a temporary urinary catheter while swelling resolves. Symptom improvement typically begins within several weeks and continues as the treated tissue is gradually absorbed.
Recovery experiences vary depending on prostate size, overall health, and individual healing.
Benefits of Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy
Potential benefits include:
- Minimally invasive treatment
- No external surgical incisions
- Outpatient procedure
- Reduced recovery time compared to traditional surgery
- Long-lasting symptom improvement for many patients
- Preservation of erectile function in many men
- Reduced need for ongoing BPH medication
Your provider will discuss expected outcomes based on your individual medical condition.
Rezūm vs. Other BPH Treatments
Treatment for BPH depends on symptom severity, prostate size, general health, and patient preferences.
Options may include:
- Lifestyle modifications
- Prescription medications
- Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy
- UroLift®
- Laser prostate procedures
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Simple prostatectomy for very large prostates
During your consultation, our urology team explains the advantages and limitations of each option so you can make an informed treatment decision.
Patients with persistent urinary symptoms may also benefit from evaluation for other urinary issues that can contribute to similar symptoms.
When Should I Consider Rezūm?
You may wish to discuss Rezūm if medications are no longer controlling your urinary symptoms or if you would prefer to reduce long-term medication use.
A consultation allows the urologist to evaluate your prostate, review diagnostic testing, discuss available treatment options, and determine whether Rezūm is an appropriate choice.
Contact Flagstaff Surgical Associates at (928) 773-2222 to schedule a Rezūm consultation in Flagstaff, AZ .
Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy FAQs
How long does a Rezūm procedure take?
The actual treatment usually takes only a few minutes, although the total appointment is longer to allow for preparation, anesthesia, and recovery.
Will I need a catheter after Rezūm?
Some patients require a temporary urinary catheter while swelling decreases after treatment. The length of catheter use depends on the individual patient and prostate size.
How soon will my urinary symptoms improve?
Many patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, with continued improvement over the following months as treated prostate tissue is naturally absorbed.
Can Rezūm eliminate the need for BPH medication?
Many men are able to reduce or discontinue BPH medication following successful treatment, although results vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Does Rezūm treat prostate cancer?
No. Rezūm is designed only to treat urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
Is Rezūm considered surgery?
Rezūm is classified as a minimally invasive procedure rather than traditional surgery because it does not require external incisions or removal of prostate tissue during the procedure.
Who is a good candidate for Rezūm?
Men with moderate urinary symptoms caused by BPH who want a minimally invasive treatment option may qualify after a comprehensive urologic evaluation.