Minimally Invasive BPH Treatments: Rezum, UroLift, and More
Explore modern alternatives to major surgery that offer fast relief, low risk, and excellent preservation of sexual function.
What are Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MIST)?
Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MIST) bridge the gap between daily medications and major traditional surgeries like TURP. MIST procedures, such as UroLift and Rezūm, are designed to relieve the obstruction caused by BPH without cutting, heating, or removing large amounts of tissue. They are typically performed as outpatient procedures, requiring no overnight hospital stay, and allow men to return to normal activities quickly.
Leading Minimally Invasive Options
1. Rezum (Water Vapor Therapy): Uses precisely controlled steam to ablate and shrink the obstructive prostate tissue. The body naturally absorbs the treated tissue over a few weeks.
2. UroLift System: Uses small permanent implants to pull back and hold the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, mechanically opening the blocked urethra immediately.
3. iTind (Temporary Implant): A temporary nitinol device placed in the urethra for 5-7 days to reshape the prostate neck, creating a wider channel for urine flow.
4. Aquablation Therapy: Uses a heat-free, robotic-assisted water jet to precisely remove prostate tissue, minimizing the risk of thermal damage to surrounding nerves.
Advantages of MIST Procedures
Preservation of Sexual Function
Unlike traditional surgery, procedures like Rezum and UroLift are specifically designed to preserve erectile function and normal ejaculation.
Rapid Recovery and Outpatient
These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia or light sedation in an outpatient setting, allowing you to go home the same day.
Freedom from Daily Medications
Most men can safely discontinue their daily BPH medications after treatment, eliminating ongoing drug costs and side effects.
Sustained Symptom Relief
Clinical studies show that these minimally invasive procedures offer durable, long-lasting relief from urinary symptoms for many years.
Clinical References & Sources
- American Urological Association (AUA) Educational Resources on Prostate Health.
- European Association of Urology (EAU) Patient Information Guidelines.
- PubMed Central (PMC) Peer-Reviewed Medical Journals on Urology.