Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced a new treatment utilizing steam energy to remove the enlarged portion of the prostate in just a few minutes. This innovative treatment is aimed at patients suffering from urinary retention and obstruction symptoms. The method addresses benign prostatic hyperplasia – a common age-related condition – with minimal surgical intervention, known as Rezūm™. The true cause of this condition is unknown, but by the age of sixty, half of all men will experience prostate enlargement, with the figure rising to 90% by the age of eighty-five.
**Target Audience**
Using steam as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms is very beneficial. The target demographic includes the elderly, patients with high health risks, and those whose health may be negatively impacted by open surgery. This treatment is also preferred by patients who choose to stop taking medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Dr. Ayman Moussa, an associate specialist at the Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgical Specialties at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, states: "This treatment is quick and effective, using the power of water to tackle a very common health issue faced by the elderly worldwide." He explains that it is a simple surgical procedure where doctors use a radiofrequency generator to heat a specific amount of water outside the body, turning it into steam, which is then directed through a needle to the prostate to target the obstructed tissues. This process can take between nine seconds to three minutes to complete, depending on the size of the enlarged prostate portion.
**A Safe Alternative**
Dr. Moussa notes that this treatment only uses water, making it a safer alternative for most patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. He adds: "All cells in our bodies contain water, so we are not harming the cells in any way with this approach and do not impact other body organs during the procedure."
Other methods for treating prostate enlargement include surgeries with minimal intervention, utilizing high-energy currents and laser technology. Although these methods are effective, they are not always the most suitable for elderly patients.
Dr. Moussa explains that patients treated with the water steam technique typically see results within the first week of treatment. He further adds: "For mild prostate enlargement, symptom improvement appears within three to four days. While some discomfort after the procedure is normal, most patients can return to their daily activities and perform their tasks the following day."
