Both UroLift® and Rezūm are minimally invasive, FDA-cleared treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and both are available at Gangnam St. Mary's Urology Clinic. Rather than repeating the technical specifications already covered on each treatment's page, this guide explains the actual decision-making process — the anatomical factors that matter, what to send us before you travel, and how a final recommendation is reached.
1. The One Factor That Decides Most Cases
The presence of middle lobe enlargement determines which treatment is anatomically appropriate, and it resolves the majority of cases before any other factor is considered.
If the middle lobe is not significantly enlarged, UroLift® is typically the first option I consider. If middle lobe enlargement is present, UroLift® is not indicated, and Rezūm becomes the more suitable choice.
2. When Anatomy Alone Doesn't Settle It
For patients where either treatment could work anatomically, the decision comes down to priorities. Here's how the two compare on the factors that matter most:
| Decision Factor | UroLift® | Rezūm |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of relief | Days to a few weeks | Progressive, ~6 weeks to 6 months |
| Prostate size range | Narrower indicated range | Progressive, ~6 weeks to 6 months |
| Middle lobe enlargement | Not indicated | Broader range, including larger prostates |
| Best fit for | Patients prioritizing fast recovery, no tissue removal | Patients with larger or middle-lobe-involved anatomy |
| Anesthesia / recovery | Local anesthesia or light sedation, same-day discharge | Local anesthesia or light sedation, same-day discharge |
Anesthesia and recovery are nearly identical between the two, which is why this factor rarely becomes the deciding one — anatomy and symptom priorities do the real work.
3. What I Need to See Before Recommending Either One
A specific recommendation follows a review of your case, not the other way around. Before your consultation, the most useful information you can send is:
- Recent ultrasound or prostate imaging, if available — this is what shows middle lobe anatomy
- PSA test results
- Uroflowmetry results, if you have had one
- Current medications and how long you've taken them
- A short description of your symptoms and how long they've lasted
Imaging is usually the single most decisive piece of information. Without it, I can offer a preliminary direction, but not a confirmed recommendation.
4. If You're Still Undecided When You Arrive
That's common, not a problem. Many international patients travel to Seoul without a final choice made — the first consultation is exactly where that gets resolved, not something you need to sort out in advance.
On your first visit, an ultrasound and evaluation confirm your prostate anatomy, including whether middle lobe enlargement is present, typically the same day. If either option remains viable, we'll walk through the tradeoffs from Section 2 based on your actual results. Treatment is only scheduled once this evaluation is complete.