Non-invasive prostate treatment already available at Charing Cross Hospital set to be rolled out nationwide
An innovative treatment to help men suffering with enlarged prostates is set to be rolled out across the country after the treatment was initially trialled at Charing Cross and Basingstoke hospitals.
The treatment, known as Rezum, uses small amounts of steam to shrink an enlarged prostate, easing symptoms including difficulty passing water and frequent toilet visits.
The 10-15 minute procedure, carried out under local anaesthetic, avoids the need for invasive surgery and, thanks to the trial, has been shown to reduce the risk of associated side effects such as incontinence, sexual dysfunction and bleeding.
Working with colleagues at Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospitals, doctors at Charing Cross have tested the treatment over the past two years. The study followed 79 men across the two hospitals, with results showing a significant improvement in symptoms after six months. Rezum has now been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for use by hospitals nationwide.
Professor Hashim Ahmed is a consultant urological surgeon who has been carrying out the treatment at Charing Cross. He said: “A huge group of men could now benefit from this treatment. Men are often so worried about the side effects of an operation that they are suffering without treatment, or relying on drugs and their side effects.
“These impressive results show that men needing traditional surgery or those who don’t want to take tablets long term should consider whether Rezum might be an alternative,” he added. Half of men over 50 suffer symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
As a quicker and less invasive procedure than surgery, the Rezum treatment also removes the need for a hospital stay. “Patients get a quicker recovery, meaning you can get back to work and get on with your life,” said Professor Ahmed.
