Rezum therapy

According to Mayo Clinic, procedures such as water vapor thermal therapy may help men with an enlarged prostate whose symptoms — a weak or slow urine stream, getting up several times at night to urinate, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying — are not sufficiently relieved by medication, or who prefer not to take daily medication. It may also be considered when complications appear, such as urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones or blood in the urine. It is often appealing to men who want to protect their sexual function, since it rarely affects erections or ejaculation, and it works well for small and average-size prostates.

These procedures may not be an option if you have an untreated urinary tract infection, urethral stricture disease, a history of prostate radiation therapy or urinary tract surgery, or certain neurological conditions. Depending on your case, Dr. Bricio, urologist (Endolapv), will review your symptoms, prostate size and personal goals with you to confirm whether you are a candidate.

According to Mayo Clinic, the treatment is performed under local anesthesia, with no incisions, and the procedure itself usually takes less than 15 minutes. The urologist passes a device with a very fine needle through the urethra and positions it inside the prostate; in about nine seconds it releases a small steam ball, roughly 2 centimeters wide, that wears away the excess prostate tissue. The heat stays inside the prostate, which helps protect the surrounding nerves and tissues. The number of vapor applications depends on the size of the prostate, and treatment is completed in a single visit.

A temporary urinary catheter is placed at the end, and in most cases patients are discharged the same day. At Healthcare by the Sea, the procedure is performed in modern facilities by board-certified specialists, with close, personal support at every step — so you and your family can feel at ease throughout your visit to Puerto Vallarta.

Before the procedure you will have a complete urological evaluation: a review of your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, and studies to measure your prostate size and urine flow. This confirms that Rezum therapy is an appropriate option for your case.

Tell your care team about all the medications you take, especially blood thinners; depending on your case, your urologist will let you know whether any need to be adjusted before the procedure. Follow your team's specific instructions closely, and if possible arrange for someone to accompany you on the day of your appointment. If you are traveling from the U.S. or Canada, our team can help you coordinate your consultation, procedure and follow-up around your trip.

Most patients go home the same day with a temporary urinary catheter, which is usually removed after three to five days. Most people return to their regular activities within a few days; your care team will tell you which activities to avoid and for how long.

It is normal for urinary symptoms to feel temporarily worse at first, because the treatment causes some swelling. According to Mayo Clinic, some patients begin to notice improvement within about two weeks, and most see improvement by around six weeks. Dr. Bricio will follow your progress closely at each visit.

Seek emergency care right away if you develop a high fever, heavy bleeding in your urine, pain that gets worse instead of better, or you are unable to urinate, and notify the doctor who performed your procedure as soon as possible — these are warning signs that need immediate medical attention.

Medical reference source: Mayo Clinic.