Revolutionizing prostate care with Rezum therapy

December 8, 2024
healthcaretoday, Rezum Therapy, BPH, Prostate health, Mens health, minimally invasive, urology, patient care, health innovation, prostate treatment, benign prostatic hyperplasia, Dr Balan Ambikai, prostate enlargement, TURP, Retrograde ejaculation, sedation,
Dr Ambikai Balan Sothinathan performing the Rezum therapy on a benign prostatic hyperplasia patient.
Rezum Therapy is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) by using water vapour to reduce prostate size. This approach offers lasting relief from BPH symptoms without the complications of invasive surgery or long-term side effects from medications.

During the procedure, steam is injected into the prostate tissue, causing it to shrink and widening the urethral opening for improved urine flow. “The therapy involves carefully timed injections of water vapour, each lasting about nine seconds. Although results are not immediate, many patients experience significant improvement within three to six months,” explains Dr Ambikai Balan Sothinathan, Consultant Urologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur. 

Patient safety and comfort are top priorities for Dr Balan. Each patient undergoes a thorough assessment, including flexible cystoscopy, to ensure they are suitable candidates for Rezum therapy. Strong emphasis is placed on patient education, helping manage expectations and providing reassurance throughout the treatment process. Post-operatively, patients receive clear instructions for recovery, which may involve using a urinary catheter for two to six weeks.

Common patient concerns include the fear of retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows backward into the bladder. He notes that while this is a greater risk with traditional procedures like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), it is significantly lower with Rezum therapy, ranging between 4% to 6%.

Another frequent concern is the fear of pain during the procedure. Dr Balan reassures patients that the treatment, usually performed under sedation or anaesthesia, is quick and painless—most patients are surprised by how fast it is completed.

The impact of Rezum therapy
Since introducing Rezum therapy, Dr Balan has witnessed a surge in demand for this procedure. Initially perceived as daunting, Rezum has become an integral part of his practice, particularly so for patients who may not be suitable for traditional surgery. This less invasive option aligns perfectly with his commitment to patient-centred care.

For Dr Balan, the most fulfilling aspect of his work is the chance to help patients confront the stigma surrounding men's health issues, especially those relating to the prostate. 

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