Rezum (Water Vapor Therapy)

Istanbul

Rezum (Water Vapor Therapy) in Istanbul is available at 2 hospitals in the Voumed network.

Rezum is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate that uses the natural energy stored in water vapour, or steam, to gently shrink the overgrown tissue. Benign prostatic enlargement is a common condition in older men, where the prostate grows and presses on the urinary channel, causing symptoms such as a weak stream, frequent urination and getting up at night. Rezum delivers small, precise bursts of steam directly into the enlarged tissue through the urethra, with no cutting. Over the following weeks the treated tissue is naturally reabsorbed, the channel opens up, and urinary symptoms improve.

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At a glance

Type: minimally invasive water vapour (steam) prostate therapy
Used for: benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement causing urinary symptoms
Key benefit: relieves symptoms while preserving sexual function, no incision
Session: usually around 10 to 30 minutes, often under local anaesthesia
Where it is used: leading accredited urology centres abroad

What it is

Rezum is a form of water vapour therapy. It uses the energy released when steam turns back into water to gently treat the excess prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. The treatment is delivered through a thin instrument passed along the urethra, so there is no external cut. A tiny needle on the instrument injects a brief, controlled burst of steam into the enlarged part of the prostate. The steam spreads evenly through that section of tissue and releases its energy there, treating the obstructing tissue while leaving the surrounding structures and the urinary channel itself intact.

How it works

A thin instrument is passed along the urethra to the prostate, usually under local anaesthesia, sometimes with light sedation. Through this instrument, a needle delivers short bursts of water vapour, each lasting only seconds, into the overgrown prostate tissue at several points. The steam treats the targeted tissue, which the body then gradually reabsorbs over the following weeks, easing the pressure on the urinary channel. The whole procedure usually takes only about 10 to 30 minutes and is typically performed as a day case. A catheter is often used for a short time afterwards while the area settles, and symptoms improve as healing progresses.

What it treats and who it helps

Rezum treats benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement that causes bothersome urinary symptoms. It can be a good option for men who want effective symptom relief but prefer a gentle, office-based or day-case treatment over more extensive surgery, and for those who place a high priority on preserving sexual function. Because it is quick and usually done under local anaesthesia, it may also appeal to men who wish to avoid general anaesthesia. A urologist assesses prostate size, symptoms and overall health to confirm whether Rezum is a suitable choice.

Benefits and what to expect

The main benefits are meaningful symptom relief from a short, minimally invasive procedure, no incision and a strong focus on preserving sexual function. Because the body reabsorbs the treated tissue gradually, improvement builds over several weeks rather than immediately. In the early period after treatment, mild urinary symptoms such as burning, urgency, frequent urination or a small amount of blood in the urine are common and usually settle. A temporary catheter is often used for a few days. The care team explains what to expect during recovery and arranges follow-up to confirm the improvement.

Frequently asked questions

These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.

Is Rezum surgery?

Rezum is a minimally invasive procedure rather than open surgery. It is delivered through the urethra with no external cut, using steam to treat the enlarged prostate tissue. It is usually done under local anaesthesia, often as a quick day-case procedure.

Will it affect my sexual function?

A key aim of Rezum is to relieve urinary symptoms while preserving sexual function, which is one reason many men choose it. As with any treatment, individual results vary, and your specialist will discuss what to expect in your case.

How soon will my symptoms improve?

Improvement is gradual rather than immediate, because the body needs time to reabsorb the treated tissue. Many men notice their symptoms easing over several weeks, with the benefit continuing to develop as healing completes.

Is the procedure painful?

It is usually performed under local anaesthesia, sometimes with light sedation, so discomfort during the procedure is limited. Afterwards, mild urinary symptoms such as burning or urgency can occur for a short time and are managed by the care team.

Will I need a catheter?

A temporary catheter is often used for a few days after the procedure while the treated area settles and any swelling resolves. The team removes it once it is no longer needed and advises you on recovery.

Who is a suitable candidate?

Rezum is mainly suited to men with bothersome symptoms from benign prostate enlargement who want a minimally invasive option. A urologist reviews your prostate size, symptoms and health to decide whether Rezum or another treatment is the best fit for you.