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The Rezūm procedure uses water vapor to safely remove excess prostate tissue, with a treatment session taking about 10 minutes.
Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare (JHAH) has been designated a Center of Excellence for the non-surgical Rezūm procedure for treating enlarged prostates.
The designation means that men who require interventional therapy for an enlarged prostate are guaranteed world-class treatment by highly trained experts with a proven record of accomplishment.
The prostate, a small gland found just below the bladder, typically gets larger as men age. An enlarged prostate can cause problems like weak or blocked urine flow, or issues with the kidney or urinary tract.
About 50% of men will develop symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate by the time they are 60 years old, with the figure rising to 90% by the age of 85.
JHAH was designated a Center of Excellence for Rezūm by Boston Scientific, the maker of the Rezūm device. Boston Scientific also designated Dr. Tareq Al Tartir, Chief of Urology at JHAH, as a Rezūm Expert User.
Dr. Al Tartir introduced Rezūm to JHAH in October 2023 and has now performed more than 150 procedures. “More important than doing a large number of procedures is ending up with excellent patient outcomes and satisfaction,” Dr. Al Tartir said.
Rezūm is an option for most patients aged 50 and above who need treatment for a slightly to moderately enlarged prostate. Depending on the patient’s needs, it can be used instead of, or combined with, surgery, medication, and implants.
The Rezūm procedure uses water vapor, or steam, to safely remove excess prostate tissue while simultaneously protecting healthy tissues. A dose of steam is applied to the excess prostate tissue via the patient’s urethra for about 10 seconds at a time, and a patient may receive repeated doses during the treatment session depending on the size of the prostate. Because it is an alternative to surgery, there are no incisions — meaning that patients suffer less pain and enjoy a faster recovery. Patients are typically discharged shortly after treatment.
Most patients who undergo treatment with Rezūm can return to their normal activities within a few days, and begin to experience relief from their symptoms within two weeks, although responses vary. Maximum benefit may occur within three months, according to Boston Scientific.
To be designated a Rezūm Expert User, a physician must meet strict requirements. Among other things, they must complete at least 75 Rezūm cases per year, disclose anonymized data showing that patients are benefiting from the procedure, and complete a quarterly review with a Boston Scientific representative. After one year of being designated a Rezūm Expert User, in addition to these requirements, the physician must also deliver educational programs about prostate disease four times per year.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include frequent urination, especially during the night; an inability to fully empty the bladder; trouble with starting urination or a weak flow; and dribbling. Less common symptoms are blood in the urine and not being able to urinate at all. Patients with any of these symptoms should contact their primary care physician for an appointment.
JHAH’s Rezūm device was procured by Fadel Daoud, operating room team leader. Mohammed Shteat, operating room nurse, provides training for surgeons and other staff on using Rezūm.