REVOLUTIONARY NEW TREATMENT
EASES PROSTRATE SYMPTOMS
BY MR NIGEL PARR, SPIRE MURRAYFIELD, WIRRAL
Symptoms caused by enlarged prostates are a source of misery
for millions of men across the country, but a revolutionary
new treatment can address the issue more quickly and easily
than ever. Here Consultant Urologist Mr Nigel Parr MD,
FRCSEd(Urol), a specialist at Wirral's Spire Murrayfield
Hospital explains how. surgical procedure known as a transurethral resection of prostate
(TURP). With Rezum, we're achieving very similar results to
TURP – diminishing symptoms and improving the urinary flow,
via a far less invasive method. The treatment also preserves sexual
function and, unlike TURP, is done on a day-patient basis. It does
not require a stay in hospital.
It's a fact of life that as men get older, they are more likely to
experience urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate. Rezum patients will need to have a catheter inserted for a short
time but this is removed just a week after the treatment and,
overall, the recovery period is shorter than with TURP – enabling
patients to get back to normal, everyday life quickly.
Evidence shows that by the age of 65, around 50 per cent of men
will be suffering symptoms of the condition, which is referred to
medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The stiffening
and enlargement of the prostate that BPH causes can result
in a range of symptoms, including a frequent or urgent need
to urinate, difficulty emptying the bladder and difficulty with
starting urination. For the millions of men living with BPH, this
brings stress and suffering on a daily basis.
Thankfully, there are a variety of treatments available to address
BPH and a new medical advancement is enabling specialists like
myself to treat the condition in a highly efficient and minimally
invasive way.
At Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral, we're able to offer Rezum
treatment to patients – a recent technological innovation that has
limited availability in the UK, at present.
The treatment involves injecting very precise volumes of steam
energy into the prostate, to destroy the affected cells. It does this
quickly and without causing charring of the tissue, unlike some
treatments that have been used in the past. The steam energy is
administered through a delivery device, which is guided through
the urethra and to the prostate with the help of a telescopic lens.
The number of injections applied during the treatment will be
informed by the volume and length of the enlarged prostate, with
most men requiring between two and ten injections, each taking
approximately ten seconds.
Previously, the gold standard treatment for men suffering with
BPH that could not be alleviated through medication, was a
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There are certain limits to the treatment – prostates which are
smaller than 30cc, will need to be treated in an alternative manner,
for instance. And patients may want to explore other routes such
as laser treatment or a stapling procedure with their surgeon.
For three groups of men in particular, Rezum is definitely worth
considering, those groups being: men for whom medication has
not worked; men who have experienced side effects, such as
sexual dysfunction, after taking medication and men who prefer
to have surgery rather than take tablets.
At Spire Murrayfield we have the expertise and experience to
provide this pioneering new treatment and are receiving interest
from patients across the North of England as a result.
Whatever type of treatment is right for you, the important
thing is to make your GP aware of any urinary symptoms you're
experiencing and to address them as quickly as possible.
At Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral, our Consultants have wide
experience in some of the latest techniques and innovations and
our inclusive prices, with access to 0% finance options, make the
process easy and more affordable.
For further information on our broad range of procedures and
to find out more about our team of expert Consultants, search
‘Spire Wirral’ or call our specialist advisors on 0151 929 5408.