Water Vapor Therapy

What is Water Vapor Therapy?

Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment method used in men experiencing difficulty urinating due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This technique utilizes the thermal energy of water vapor to reduce prostate tissue and improve urine flow.

During the procedure, a thin device delivers water vapor directly to the prostate tissue. When the vapor contacts the tissue, it releases energy that destroys the enlarged prostate cells. Over time, the damaged tissue is naturally absorbed by the body, thereby relieving the obstruction in the urinary tract.

Features of Water Vapor Therapy:

• Can be performed in an outpatient setting in a short time.
• Does not require general anesthesia; local anesthesia or mild sedation is sufficient.
• Less invasive compared to surgical procedures, with a short recovery time.

This method is particularly effective and reliable for patients who do not respond to medication or who prefer to avoid surgery.

Who Is It For?

Water Vapor Therapy is generally applied to men with the following conditions:

1. Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):
   • Men who experience difficulty urinating and symptoms such as frequent urination and nocturia due to prostate enlargement.
2. Patients Unresponsive to Medication:
   • Men whose symptoms persist or who experience side effects from conventional BPH medications.
3. Patients Who Prefer Non-Surgical Options:
   • Men seeking a less invasive treatment alternative to traditional prostate surgery.
4. Patients with Moderate Prostate Enlargement:
   • Men with a moderate increase in prostate size that causes obstruction of urine flow.
5. Patients with Medical Risks for Other Treatments:
   • Individuals for whom the risks of anesthesia or surgery are high and who desire a simpler treatment option.

Contraindications:

• Very large prostate enlargement (generally above 100 ml).
• Active urinary tract infection or other serious health issues such as prostate cancer.

Water Vapor Therapy is recommended for appropriate patients following a detailed evaluation by a urologist.

How Is It Performed?

Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure for men with BPH-related urinary difficulties. The process involves the following steps:

1. Preparation and Anesthesia:
   • The patient typically receives local anesthesia; in some cases, mild sedation may be used. Prior to the procedure, an evaluation is made to rule out a urinary tract infection.
2. Visualization via Cystoscopy:
   • A cystoscope (a thin, tube-like device) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, allowing the physician to view the prostate region.
   • This enables precise targeting of the enlarged prostate areas.
3. Injection of Water Vapor:
   • Water vapor is injected into the prostate tissue through the cystoscope.
   • When the vapor contacts the tissue, it releases thermal energy that destroys the enlarged prostate cells, reducing the obstructing tissue.
4. Procedure Duration and Completion:
   • The treatment typically lasts 5-10 minutes, with water vapor applied to several targeted points.
   • The injections are made to the enlarged regions, eliminating tissue that impedes urine flow.
5. Post-Procedure:
   • The patient is usually discharged on the same day.
   • Some mild discomfort or a slight burning sensation during urination may be experienced, but this is usually temporary.
   • Improvements in urine flow are generally observed within a few weeks.
6. Follow-Up and Recovery:
   • Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor treatment effectiveness and manage any potential side effects.

Water Vapor Therapy significantly alleviates urinary difficulties by reducing prostate enlargement and is associated with a rapid recovery process.

What Are the Advantages of the Treatment?

Advantages of Water Vapor Therapy include:

1. Minimally Invasive Method:
   • Water Vapor Therapy is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that minimizes risks and offers a fast recovery.
2. Short Procedure Time:
   • The treatment is typically completed within 5-10 minutes, allowing patients to return home on the same day.
3. No General Anesthesia Required:
   • The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia.
4. Low Bleeding Risk:
   • Since the therapy reduces prostate tissue via water vapor, the risk of bleeding is significantly lower than with traditional surgery.
5. Fewer Side Effects:
   • Compared to surgical methods, complications and side effects are minimal and generally short-lived.
6. Short Recovery Time:
   • Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, with significant improvement in urinary symptoms.
7. Long-Lasting Effect:
   • By reducing the enlarged prostate tissue, the improvement in urine flow is generally long-lasting.
8. Low Recurrence Rate:
   • This treatment offers a long-term solution with a low likelihood of needing repeat procedures.
9. No Increased Prostate Cancer Risk:
   • Water Vapor Therapy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer since it targets only benign tissue.
10. Improves Quality of Life:
    • By alleviating symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and nocturia, the therapy significantly enhances patients’ quality of life.
11. Minimal Risk of Retrograde Ejaculation:
    • The risk is negligible.

Water Vapor Therapy is an ideal alternative for patients seeking a minimally invasive treatment option without resorting to surgery.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Although Water Vapor Therapy is generally considered safe, as with any medical procedure, some side effects and complications may occur. However, these side effects are usually transient and resolve quickly. Possible side effects include:

1. Burning or Discomfort During Urination:

• Some patients may experience mild burning or discomfort when urinating in the first few days after the procedure, which usually subsides on its own.

2. Temporary Urinary Urgency or Frequency:

• There may be a temporary increase in urgency or frequency of urination, which typically improves within days or weeks.

3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

• As with any urological procedure, there is a slight risk of developing a urinary tract infection, which can be treated with antibiotics if necessary.

4. Temporary Urinary Retention:

• In rare cases, there may be difficulty urinating immediately after the procedure, sometimes necessitating temporary catheterization.

5. Bleeding:

• Mild bleeding or blood in the urine may be observed briefly after treatment; if bleeding persists, consult your doctor.

6. Prostate Swelling or Inflammation:

• Some patients may experience slight swelling or inflammation of the prostate post-treatment, which is usually temporary and resolves within a few days.

7. Erectile Dysfunction (Rare):

• Very rarely, issues with erectile function may occur, though Water Vapor Therapy has not been shown to significantly affect erectile performance.

8. Bladder Spasm or Incontinence (Rare):

• Some patients may experience transient bladder spasms or incontinence due to changes in bladder muscle activity.

9. Prostate Cancer Risk (Very Low):

• Water Vapor Therapy does not increase the risk of prostate cancer because it only targets benign prostate tissue.

Side effects are generally short-lived, and most patients recover quickly.

What Is the Post-Procedure Recovery Like?

The recovery process following Water Vapor Therapy is generally quick and comfortable. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients can return to their normal routines within a few days. Key aspects of the recovery process include:

1. First Days (1-2 Days):

• Urination: Patients may experience mild burning, discomfort, or increased frequency of urination during the first few days, which usually resolves on its own.
• Rest: Although patients are often discharged on the same day, it is recommended to avoid heavy physical activities for the first 24-48 hours to facilitate recovery.

2. First Weeks (1-2 Weeks):

• Urinary Sensation: Some patients may continue to experience urgency or discomfort during voiding as the body adjusts to the treatment.
• UTI Risk: There is a slight risk of urinary tract infection post-procedure. Any signs such as pain, burning, or fever should prompt a visit to the doctor.

3. Recovery Phase (2-4 Weeks):

• Improved Urine Flow: Within 2-4 weeks, the reduction in prostate tissue leads to improved urine flow and significant alleviation of symptoms.
• Limited Activity: Heavy physical activities and sexual intercourse should be avoided during this phase, though light daily activities are permitted.

4. Long-Term (1-3 Months):

• Full Effect: The full benefits of Water Vapor Therapy are typically observed within 2-3 months, with significant improvement in urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating, nocturia, and urinary frequency.
• Complete Recovery: Most patients fully recover within 4-6 weeks, although the therapeutic effect may continue for several months.

5. Follow-Up Appointments:

• Regular follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor treatment effectiveness and manage any potential side effects.

Recommendations to Ease Recovery:

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports proper bladder function.
• Avoid Heavy Physical Activity: Refrain from strenuous exercise for at least a week post-procedure.
• Follow Medication Instructions: Adhere to any prescribed antibiotics or pain relievers to support recovery.
• Monitor Urination: Contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms (bleeding, pain, or difficulty urinating).

The recovery process is generally smooth and fast, allowing most patients to resume normal activities within a few days. However, individual recovery may vary, so it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations.