Ras Al Khaimah hospital treats enlarged prostate with water vapour therapy

It is pain-free and can be conducted as a day care procedure without the need for hospitalisation

A pain-free water vapour therapy that can cure enlarged prostate within minutes has been introduced by a hospital in Ras Al Khaimah.

The launch of the unique treatment was announced by RAK Hospital on Tuesday.

Dr Dinanath Thakar, consultant urologist and head of department at RAK Hospital, said: “The one-of-its-kind Rezum water vapour treatment works by delivering very small amounts of steam to the enlarged prostate which damages the cells causing obstruction, thus reducing the overall size and the associated symptoms. This treatment uses the energy of water vapour or steam to remove the excess prostrate tissue compressing the urethra, a duct that carries the urine from the bladder.”

Prostate enlargement is a common problem among men over 50. By the age of 60, over 50 per cent of men face this condition and by the age of 85, the percentage goes up to 90 per cent.

Traditionally, patients suffering from prostate enlargement undergo a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate, which takes about an hour and requires the patient to stay in the hospital for around three days.

But the Rezum water vapour treatment is a quick, pain-free therapy to fix the prostate gland enlargement, also known as BPH, in a matter of few minutes and can be conducted as a day care procedure without the need for hospitalisation, Dr Thakar pointed out.

Dr Thakar said: “The new Rezum therapy is a minimally invasive treatment option that reduces the risk of associated complications such as bleeding, incontinence and sexual dysfunction. The procedure takes just 10-15 minutes under local anesthesia and the patient is able to go home the same day.”

He urged men to check for early signs of enlarged prostate, which basically is an excess growth of prostate tissue that compresses and obstructs the urethra, reducing the flow of urine from the bladder and sometimes blocking it entirely.

“Symptoms of BPH include waking up multiple times during the night to urinate with a sense of urgency; irregular and weak urinary flow; anxiety; challenges with sexual function and limitations on daily activities."

He pointed out that when the bladder is not emptied completely, the risk of developing urinary tract infection increases. “Other serious problems can also develop over time, including bladder stones, blood in the urine, incontinence and an inability to urinate. In rare cases, bladder or kidney damage can also occur as a consequence,” Dr Thakar cautioned.

Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director, RAK Hospital, said: “With the launch of the new Rezum treatment for enlarged prostate, patients can benefit immensely by utilising the expertise of our hospital and the expert medical team. The therapy is a great alternative to the traditional choices since the results have been very impressive.”

saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah