Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

CAMC Urologists use the stored thermal energy in water vapor (steam) to treat the extra prostate tissue that is causing symptoms such as frequency, urgency, irregular flow, weak stream, straining and getting up at night to urinate. 

Inside a hand-held device, radiofrequency energy is applied to a few drops of water to create vapor (steam). The water vapor is injected into the prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine from the bladder, where it immediately turns back to water, releasing the energy stored in the vapor into the cell membranes. At this point, the cells are gently and immediately damaged, causing cell death. Over time, your body will absorb the treated tissue through its natural healing response. 

• Men who have elected to discontinue or who have chosen not to take BPH medications 
• Men who are not receptive to other minimally invasive or surgical BPH procedures 
• Men who have indicated they aren’t bothered enough by their symptoms to elect an invasive surgical procedure 

Your urologist will consult with you to determine if this treatment is a good treatment option based on your symptoms and personal treatment goals. This treatment is indicated for men 50 years and older with a prostate volume of ≥ 30cm3 and ≤80cm3. It also is indicated for treatment of prostate with hyperplasia of the central zone and/or a median lobe. The use of water vapor therapy is contraindicated for patients with a urinary implant or who have a penile prosthesis. 

Most reported side effects in the clinical study were mild to moderate in severity and typically resolved within a few weeks with the most frequent being urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, discomfort during urination or blood in the urine. Erectile and ejaculatory functions were preserved. 

This treatment has been proven to reduce urinary symptoms for many men who have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

As a minimally-invasive procedure, this treatment option has demonstrated fewer side effects compared to those typically seen with surgical therapies, but as with any interventional procedure, some of the following side effects may temporarily occur: 

• Painful urination 
• Blood in urine 
• Blood in semen 
• Frequent urination 
• Inability to urinate or completely empty the bladder 
• Need for short-term catheterization 

Most of these events resolve within three weeks of the procedure, but there is a possibility some of these effects may be prolonged. Please talk with your physician about ways to potentially minimize the effects of these risks. Patients have found that the following options may help relieve discomfort during the short-term healing process: 

• Take a mild pain medication such as Tylenol^®. 
• Try a warm bath or sitting on a hot water bottle. 
• Eliminate caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol from your diet. 

In the pivotal study, there were no reports of erectile dysfunction as a result of this treatment. 

Based on the pivotal study, ejaculatory function was preserved; however, men with BPH are at higher risk for other potential urinary/ejaculatory challenges and there is a possibility that water vapor therapy may uncover an underlying condition. Consult with your urologist about your individual clinical situation. 

In the pivotal study, there were no reports of urinary incontinence as a result of this treatment. 

Symptom improvement following the procedure is gradual. During the clinical study significant symptom improvement was seen in as soon as two weeks. Responses to the treatment vary. 

Most patients return to regular activities within a few days. Your urologist will discuss this during your consultation. 

We currently have clinical studies that demonstrate sustained symptom improvement out to two years and studies are ongoing to determine longer term patient outcomes.  

Medicare and most private payers consider this procedure as a medical necessity. Call us for more information.