Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – or prostate enlargement – is a common issue in men, especially over age 50. In Kerala, many men face urinary symptoms like frequent urination, weak stream, urgency, and disrupted sleep. Traditional treatments (medications, surgery) can sometimes be invasive or have side-effects. But now there’s a breakthrough: Water Vapor Therapy, especially the Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy, available at SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre, Thrissur, Kerala.
This blog dives deep into what the therapy is, who it’s for, how it works, what to expect at SDC, benefits & risks, pricing, and more.
What is Water Vapor (Rezum) Therapy?
- Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses sterile water vapor (steam) to remove excess prostate tissue.
- The steam is delivered in controlled bursts via a device inserted through the urethra; each burst lasts about 9 seconds and enough energy is delivered to kill the targeted cells. Over weeks, the body absorbs and removes the dead tissue, relieving compression of the urethra.
- Usually, improvements in urinary symptoms begin around 2-4 weeks post-treatment, with more substantial relief seen by three months.
Why Choose Rezum Therapy at SDC in Kerala
SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre, located in Kanimangalam, Thrissur, is one of the leading clinics in Kerala offering this therapy. Key reasons to choose SDC include:
- Expert urologists experienced in Rezum / water vapor therapy.
- State-of-the-art diagnostics and equipment.
- Patient-centric approach: tailored treatment plans, comfort, follow-ups.
- Minimally invasive procedure with faster recovery and less downtime.
Who is a Good Candidate – and Who Might Not Be
Candidate Type | Why Suitable / Why Unsuitable |
Men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms | If medications have not been sufficient; bothersome urinary symptoms present. |
Men concerned about sexual function | Rezum is designed to preserve erectile and ejaculatory function better than many older surgical options. |
Men over 50 with prostate volume in definable range (usually ≤ ~80 grams) | Prostate size affects candidacy; very large prostates may be less suitable. |
Those who cannot undergo general anesthesia or prefer outpatient treatments | Rezum is often done under local anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. |
Men with kidney function complications | Caution required; may not be ideal for patients with existing kidney issues. |
Step-by-Step: How the Procedure Works at SDC
- Consultation & Diagnostics
Medical history, symptom evaluation; tests like ultrasound, blood tests, flow studies to assess prostate size and urinary obstruction. - Treatment Planning
Decide how many steam injections are needed, placement, anaesthesia plan. - Procedure Day
- Local anesthetic or mild sedation.
- Device inserted through urethra; steam applied to targeted prostate tissue in bursts of ~9 seconds each.
- After treatment, usually a catheter is placed for some days to allow swelling to subside and ensure urine flows well.
- Recovery & Follow-up
Early weeks: minor discomfort, possible burning or urgency; improvements begin in ~2-4 weeks. Full relief often by ~3 months.Who is a Good Candidate – and Who Might Not Be
Candidate Type
Why Suitable / Why Unsuitable
Men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms
If medications have not been sufficient; bothersome urinary symptoms present.
Men concerned about sexual function
Rezum is designed to preserve erectile and ejaculatory function better than many older surgical options.
Men over 50 with prostate volume in definable range (usually ≤ ~80 grams)
Prostate size affects candidacy; very large prostates may be less suitable.
Those who cannot undergo general anesthesia or prefer outpatient treatments
Rezum is often done under local anesthesia, on an outpatient basis.
Men with kidney function complications
Caution required; may not be ideal for patients with existing kidney issues.
Step-by-Step: How the Procedure Works at SDC
- Consultation & Diagnostics
Medical history, symptom evaluation; tests like ultrasound, blood tests, flow studies to assess prostate size and urinary obstruction. - Treatment Planning
Decide how many steam injections are needed, placement, anaesthesia plan. - Procedure Day
- Local anesthetic or mild sedation.
- Device inserted through urethra; steam applied to targeted prostate tissue in bursts of ~9 seconds each.
- After treatment, usually a catheter is placed for some days to allow swelling to subside and ensure urine flows well.
- Recovery & Follow-up
Early weeks: minor discomfort, possible burning or urgency; improvements begin in ~2-4 weeks. Full relief often by ~3 months.
- Consultation & Diagnostics
Benefits vs Risks
Benefits | Potential Side Effects / Risks |
Minimally invasive; less risk than open surgery. | Temporary urinary discomfort (burning, urgency) post-procedure. |
Quick recovery; usually outpatient. | Blood in urine or semen for a short time. |
Preserves sexual function better than many older procedures. | Mild risk of urinary tract infection. |
Reduced need for long-term medications. | Possible need for temporary catheter post-procedure. |
Service Table: What SDC Offers for Water Vapor Therapy
Service / Component | What You Get at SDC |
Initial Consultation & Diagnostics | Symptom evaluation, ultrasound, flow studies, health history review |
Treatment: Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy | Minimally invasive, outpatient steam treatment targeting excess prostate tissue |
Anesthesia Support | Local or mild sedation (no general anesthesia) |
Catheter Support | Temporary catheter placement post-treatment if needed |
Post-Procedure Follow-Up | Monitoring for symptom relief, managing side effects, long-term care |
Support Services | Patient education, counselling, comfortable facility, expert urologists |
Cost Considerations in Kerala
- Cost of Rezum Water Vapor Therapy can vary depending on prostate size, additional diagnostics or supportive treatments.
- Because it is less invasive and typically outpatient, hospital stay costs are lower compared to traditional surgery.
- Insurance coverage and payment plans may vary; discussing with the clinic in advance is important.
Who Should Avoid or Be Cautious
- Patients with very large prostates (above certain weight/volume thresholds).
- Those with significant kidney dysfunction or other complicating medical conditions.
- Urethral implants or prior prostate surgeries that distort anatomy.
How Rezum Therapy Compares to Other Treatments
- Medications: Less invasive but often require long-term use and possible side effects. Rezūm may reduce or eliminate need for them.
- TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate): More invasive, higher bleeding risk, longer recovery; effective for large prostates, but Rezūm offers a gentler alternative in many cases.
- Laser therapies / HoLEP: Also minimally invasive; good for certain prostate sizes. The choice depends on prostate size, patient health, priorities (sexual function preservation, recovery time).
A: Many patients notice symptom relief within 2-4 weeks, with maximum benefit often by 3 months.
The procedure uses local anesthesia or mild sedation. Post-treatment discomfort (burning, urgency) is common but generally mild and short-lived.
Yes, in many cases a temporary urinary catheter is used for several days to manage swelling and ensure urine flows smoothly.
Rezum offers long-term relief. For many, benefits last several years. Some may require retreatment or medication later depending on how the prostate grows.
One of Rezūm’s advantages is preserving sexual functions—both erection and ejaculation—for most patients. Side effects related to sexual function are relatively rare compared to more invasive surgeries.
Patients with very large prostate size, kidney function issues, urethral implants, or prior anatomical changes might not be ideal. An evaluation at SDC will clarify
Costs vary based on diagnostics, prostate size, and follow-ups. It is generally less costly than major surgery due to shorter hospital stay and fewer complications
