Irish hospital launches innovative water treatment for common men's health issue

An innovative new treatment for a common men's health issue has been introduced at an Irish hospital. 

The treatment - which uses water vapour therapy to target and shrink excess prostate tissue - has been introduced at Tallaght University Hospital (GUH) in recent days. 

According to the HSE, one in four men over the age of 40 in Ireland will suffer from an enlarged prostate gland, which puts pressure on the bladder and urethra. 

This can cause issues such as dribbling and often feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied, with the individual needing to go to the toilet often. 

If it is ignored and not treated it can lead to bigger problems with the kidneys and the bladder.

Rezūm uses water vapour therapy to target and shrink the excess prostate tissue; when the steam contacts the prostate tissue, the stored energy is released into the tissue. 

In time, the body absorbs the treated tissue, reducing the size of the prostate and relieving the urinary obstruction.

It eases the symptoms for the patient and is typically performed as a day procedure, using sedation or a short general anaesthetic. 

A team at TUH, led by Consultant Urologist Professor Rustom Manecksha, has carried out the minimally invasive procedure in recent days. 

Professor Manecksha explained that “we are now providing an alternative treatment for what is a common medical problem."

He said, "Our hospital, and in particular the urology service, has a long tradition of innovation, and the introduction of this new therapy is a welcome addition to the number of ways we can treat an enlarged prostate, many of which are minimally invasive.

"This means our patients spend less time in hospital and have a shorter recovery time so they can get back to living their lives."