BMC Urol. 2026 Feb 7. doi: 10.1186/s12894-026-02050-3. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified water vapor thermal therapy for large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 196 consecutive patients with prostate volume ≥ 80 mL who underwent modified water vapor thermal therapy at our institution between October 2023 and September 2024. All procedures were performed using the Rezum system.
RESULTS: The procedures were successfully completed in all 196 patients with a median prostate volume of 96 mL. The IPSS decreased from a preoperative mean of 21.2 ± 3.9 to 11.7 ± 3.4 at 3 months, and further improving to 10.8 ± 3.8 at 1 year. Median prostate volume reduced from 96 mL to 60 mL. The QoL score improved from 4.3 ± 0.9 to 1.7 ± 1.1, and Qmax increased from 8.3 ± 2.3 mL/s to 15.7 ± 3.5 mL/s at 3 months. All observed improvements were statistically significant compared to baseline (P < 0.01). The IIEF-5 score increased from 11.0 ± 3.6 to 14.1 ± 5.4 at 1 year, indicating a statistically significant improvement in erectile function (P < 0.05). The incidence of retrograde ejaculation was 3.1%. Only one patient (0.5%) required surgical retreatment during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS: Modified water vapor thermal therapy demonstrates favorable efficacy and safety in the treatment of large-volume BPH. It is associated with significant symptom relief, functional improvement, and minimal complications.
PMID:41652420 | DOI:10.1186/s12894-026-02050-3
