A new prostate treatment at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) is getting patients home faster than ever and slashing waiting times.
The ‘Rezum’ treatment involves injecting steam into an enlarged but benign prostate via the penis, which helps block off the blood vessels that supply the gland, subsequently making it shrink.
The new procedure is minimally invasive and allows patients to go home on the same day with a catheter that will can removed after just a week, meaning the patient’s recovery time is much quicker than more invasive techniques.
Consultant Urological Surgeon and Rezum Lead at Colchester Hospital, Zaf Maan, said: “The great thing about it is the speed and that our patients get to go home on the same day. It also doesn’t stop them having any further treatment down the line.
“It can be uncomfortable for some as we inject steam into the prostate to kill off the cells that are causing the blockage, and a passage can form with more space for urine to pass through.”
Rezum was previously only available privately, but now the innovative treatment is accessible on the NHS at ESNEFT’s sites, giving patients more efficient and streamlined treatment pathways.
George Yardy, a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Ipswich Hospital, said: “Rezum offers significant advantages for certain men with prostate problems.”
Tom Cunningham, 79, from Clacton, had only good things to say about the urology team at Colchester Hospital after he became one of the first people to benefit from the new treatment.
He said: “I had an excellent experience. The team really took care of me, made me feel at ease and explained what was going on.
“It’s made such a difference. I was uncomfortable and felt pain before the procedure, but now I can pass urine well and less frequently.
“They’re fantastic, wonderful people. I can’t express my gratitude enough and how pleased I am that they could help.”
Rezum is an alternative to another four treatments offered by ESNEFT for this condition – they include:
- Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) – a minimally invasive treatment where a laser removes any tissue blocking urine flow through the prostate.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) – a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate.
- UroLift – another minimally invasive procedure that involves lifting or holding the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way so it no longer blocks the urethra.
- Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) – A procedure in which, by injecting small particles in the arteries supplying the gland, shrinks the prostate enabling urine to flow through easier.
ESNEFT’s Clinical Director for Urology, Sam Datta, said: “We’re very lucky here at ESNEFT that we offer all the major NICE approved treatments for enlarged benign prostates. Rezum is one of five treatments offered by ESNEFT for prostate issues which are non-cancerous – when the gland is enlarged or troublesome for example – giving patients more choice to find the best option for them.”
