Water vapor therapy for BHP

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition that affects half of all males over the age of 60 and 80% of males over the age of 70. BPH results in urinary problems, such as frequent urination, inability to hold urine long enough, or difficulties starting urination. All of these symptoms can easily affect patients' quality of life.

The most common forms of treatment for BPH are medication and surgery. However, there is now an innovative new treatment available for patients who fear surgery, and for whom medication poses a problem due to potential side effects, water vapor therapy has proven its effectiveness and safety. So this type of treatment has been approved by the FDA since 2015.

Water vapor therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor to remove excess prostate tissue that compresses the urethra.

Sterile water vapor is released throughout the targeted prostate tissue through the endoscopic needle. When the steam touches the prostate tissue, all of the stored energy is released into the tissue.

Over time, the body absorbs these tissue; leading to shrinkage of the prostate. With the removal of those tissues, the urethra is opened; which reduces the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Water vapor therapy for BPH is a minimally invasive alternative to more invasive surgical and drug therapies. The treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes.

- Water vapor therapy uses radio frequencies to heat water into steam at 103°C, which is then injected directly into the prostate. 

- An endoscope is inserted into the prostate through the urinary tract. Next, water vapor is injected into the prostate through it in approximately 4-6 ejections, depending on the size of the prostate. 

- Each steam shot only lasts 9 seconds, which is enough time to reach the gaps between cells, destroying excess cells before the body naturally expels dead cells.

- The steam loses its heat and turns back into water once it comes into contact with the prostate tissue; which leads to cell damage that causes blockages, discomfort, and symptoms associated with BPH. Over time, and within 3 months, the body will absorb these tissues.

- A temporary catheter is installed for a few days to facilitate urination during the recovery period. 

Water vapor therapy is suitable for BPH patients who are:

• Over 50 years old.

• Suffer from an enlarged prostate, weighing between 30-80 grams.

• Those who did not respond to drug treatment aimed at controlling lower urinary tract symptoms or suffer from the side effects of medicines.

• Those who want to avoid undergoing surgical treatments, whether for medical or psychological reasons, or who suffer from medical conditions that hinder their surgical treatment or exposure to general anesthesia. 

It is possible to return home after only two hours, as the water vapor therapy is performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. Most patients return to their daily activities within a few days. 

You will receive detailed instructions after treatment from Prof. Mahmoud AbdElHakim, including the following:

• Administration the prescribed antibiotics.

• Avoidance of the strenuous activities until the catheter is removed.

o Take a mild pain reliever as recommended by Prof. Mahmoud AbdElHakim.

o Take a warm shower.

o Temporarily remove caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol from the diet.

The speed of healing depends on the body's ability, so each patient's response varies. The symptoms fade within 2 weeks in most patients, and maximum benefit may occur within 3 months with complete control of urine, improvement in urine output, and maintenance of sexual function in men.

• Because it involves a scope inserted through the urethra, no surgical incision is required.

• There is no need for general anesthesia. Intravenous sedatives, analgesia, and local anesthesia are sufficient.

• The procedure takes only a short time to complete, as it does not exceed 10 minutes.

• There is no need to stay overnight in the hospital.

• This technique is suitable for groups that are at risk of surgery.

• It achieves long-term results that start immediately after two weeks.

• This technique is the safest for most cases of BPH because the treatment only uses water.

• Daily activities can be resumed within a few days.

• A lower risk of complications (such as bleeding or infection) or sexual dysfunction (such as retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction).

• There is no heat transfer outside the prostate or to unintended areas. This maintains the reproductive capacity and urine control ability.

If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, we recommend that you consult Prof. Mahmoud AbdElHakim, Professor of Urology at Cairo University. He presents all therapeutic methods, which differ among themselves with the appropriate advantages for each case according to the degree of enlargement, age, and symptoms.