Rezum steam ablation of the prostate for patients with urinary retention

Published Date: 01st June 2025

Publication Authors: Day. A, Harrison. N, McCabe. J

Conference Abstract: 
Introduction: Rezum is a safe and cost-effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). However, there is limited data for its use in people with urinary retention (UR).
Patients and Methods: Between March 2019 and July 2022, 132 patients underwent Rezum at our institution, of these, 18 had UR. UR included who used intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC)(n=11) or had an indwelling catheter (IC)(n=7). Thirteen UR patients had their procedure under local anaesthetic. All patients were followed up at three months and around two years. The primary outcome was independent voiding. Secondary outcomes included international prostate symptom score (IPSS), 28-day healthcare encounters and requirement for further treatment.
Results: ISC and IC patients were of comparable age (72, p=0.09), PSA (3.7, p=0.19) and prostate volume (50, p=0.62). Of these 18 patients, 15 (83%) were IC or ISC free at three months, IC (n=5, 71%), ISC (n=10, 90%). At a mean of 25 months, 15 of 17 (88%) patients were independently voiding with a mean IPSS of 8.8 and quality of life score of 0.4. Two patients had retreatment (TURP, HoLEP), one patient deceased. Ten (71%) patients had a median lobe which was not significantly different to the non-retention arm (53%, p=0.49). 28-day healthcare encounters were similar between groups (p=0.99).
Conclusions: Our rates of independent voiding are comparable to emerging data. Rezum may be an option for patients with UR secondary to BPE and offer a sustained effect.

Day A.; El-Taji O.; Harrison N.; McCabe J. (2024). Rezum steam ablation of the prostate for patients with urinary retention. Journal of Clinical Urology. 17(1), p.72. [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/20514158241252246 [Accessed 16 January 2026].