If you book a Rezūm procedure at Samseong Station, you may be more curious about the recovery schedule than the procedure time. This is because when the catheter is removed, whether you can go to work the next day, and when urination becomes comfortable actually determine your daily life plans.
Rezūm treatment is a therapy that delivers steam thermal energy to the enlarged prostate tissue. The procedure on the same day can be relatively short, but since it takes time for the tissue swelling to subside and the treated area to shrink, it is necessary to understand the changes immediately after the procedure and weeks later separately.
Before the procedure, check for infection, bleeding, and urinary status
Infection is checked through a urine test, and symptom scores, urine flow, residual urine, and the size and structure of the prostate are evaluated. It is also examined whether there are any conditions that require additional confirmation, such as PSA or digital rectal examination. If urethral stricture or bladder function problems are suspected, the scope of the examination may differ.
Prepare a list of the medications and dietary supplements you are taking. Anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are related to the risk of bleeding, but stopping them arbitrarily can increase the risk of blood clots. Diabetes medications and insulin may also need to be adjusted according to fasting and anesthesia plans, so you should receive guidance in advance.
Insert a thin instrument into the urethra to deliver steam
The methods of anesthesia and pain control vary depending on the medical facility and the patient’s condition. When the device passes through the urethra and reaches the prostate area, steam is briefly injected at each planned location. As the steam condenses, the heat released affects the target tissue, and then, as the body absorbs the treated tissue, the urethral space widens.
The number of injections depends on the length and shape of the prostate, as well as the location of the enlarged tissue. Rather than judging the quality of treatment solely based on whether the number is few or many, it is better to listen to an explanation of which areas are being treated based on prior imaging and endoscopic findings.
A catheter is a device used to pass through initial swelling
If the prostate swells immediately after the procedure, urination may become more uncomfortable or blocked. To prevent this, a catheter can be placed through the urethra to allow urine to drain for a few days. If there was urinary retention before the procedure, or if the prostate is large and there is a lot of residual urine, the duration may be longer.
Keep the catheter bag lower than the bladder and ensure the tube is not bent or pulled. If you experience a sudden inability to urinate, swelling in the lower abdomen, the presence of large blood clots, or fever and chills, contact a medical facility. Do not remove the catheter on your own or manipulate a blocked tube directly.
Distinguishing between initial discomfort and the time of treatment effects
In the early stages, frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, small amounts of blood in the urine, and pelvic discomfort may appear. There may be days when the symptoms improve and then become uncomfortable again. Take the prescribed medication as directed, and follow medical guidance for fluid intake, considering your heart and kidney condition.
The therapeutic effect may appear over a period of weeks to months as the tissue shrinks. It is important not to conclude treatment failure just because the urine stream is weak immediately after the procedure, or conversely, to skip follow-up visits just because it improved after a few days. Symptoms, urine flow, and residual urine should be rechecked at designated times.
Plan returning to work according to the intensity of your job and whether you have a urinary catheter, and follow individual guidance regarding the resumption of strenuous exercise, cycling, lifting heavy objects, drinking alcohol, and sexual activity. In consultations for Rezūm procedures at Samseong Station, it is practical to schedule not only the procedure date but also the catheter removal and the first follow-up appointment together as a single package.
Referenced Medical Information
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Rezūm System Approval Document
- American Urological Association (AUA) Rezūm Steam Therapy Information Material
This text is intended to provide general health information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. The procedure process and recovery schedule may vary depending on the condition of the prostate and the guidelines of the medical facility.
