Rezum Water Vapor Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. The procedure requires no incision, no general anesthesia, and allows most patients to return home the same day.
If your urinary symptoms continue despite medication — but surgery feels like more treatment than you want — Rezum may be worth considering. At Gangnam St. Mary's Urology Clinic, most international patients are evaluated and treated within a day of arriving in Seoul. English consultations are available, and no referral is required.
What Is Rezūm Water Vapor Therapy?
Rezum is an FDA-cleared treatment that uses sterile water vapor (103°C) to reduce enlarged prostate tissue. During the procedure, a small device is inserted through the urethra and delivers controlled bursts of steam directly into the prostate.
Over the following weeks, the treated tissue is gradually absorbed by the body, reducing prostate volume and relieving the obstruction that causes BPH symptoms.
Unlike TURP, which removes prostate tissue surgically under general or spinal anesthesia, Rezum is designed to preserve surrounding structures and carries a significantly lower risk of retrograde ejaculation. Unlike UroLift, Rezum can also treat middle lobe enlargement, a common cause of urinary obstruction.
| Procedure Overview | |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia or light sedation |
| Procedure time | Approximately 10–30 minutes |
| Hospital stay | Same-day discharge |
| Ejaculatory Function | Preserved in most patients |
| Effect Onset | Progressive improvement over 6 weeks to 6 months |
| Certification | nHTA (New Health Technology Assessment) approved through Ministry of Health and Welfare |
Who Can Benefit from Rezūm?
Rezūm is likely suitable if:
- BPH symptoms persist despite medication, or side effects make long-term medication difficult
- Prostate size is approximately 30–80g — though larger prostates may qualify depending on anatomy
- You want to avoid surgery and preserve ejaculatory function
- You prefer same-day discharge and fast recovery
- General anesthesia is a concern due to age or other health conditions
Rezūm may not be appropriate if bladder function is significantly impaired, urethral stricture is present, or symptoms are still well-controlled with medication alone.
Eligibility is determined by prostate anatomy, growth direction, bladder function, and urine flow — not prostate size alone.
What to Expect During Recovery
1. The Rezum device is inserted through the urethra; no incision is required. 2. Controlled steam treatments are delivered to the affected areas of the prostate.
3. Structures involved in ejaculation are carefully preserved whenever possible. 4. A temporary urinary catheter is typically placed before discharge and removed at a follow-up visit within several days.
Most patients describe the procedure as uncomfortable rather than painful. Symptom improvement usually begins around six weeks after treatment, with continued improvement over three to six months as the treated tissue is absorbed and the prostate gradually shrinks.
Recovery Timeline
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Week 2 | Post-Procedure Catheter Care and Smooth Recovery |
| Weeks 6–12 | Meaningful symptom improvement begins |
| Months 3–6 | Continuous Improvement & Maximum Treatment Outcome |
Why Gangnam St. Mary’s Urology Clinic?
- English consultations available
- No referral required
- Fast scheduling for international patients
- Rezum treatment recognized under Korea's New Health Technology Assessment
- More than 10 years of clinical urology experience
- Active memberships in the AUA, KUA, KPS, and KSMHA
Over the years, I have successfully treated a diverse range of patients using Rezūm therapy, including those with complex prostate anatomy and individuals on anticoagulant (blood thinner) medications.
I firmly believe that a successful outcome depends not only on the procedure itself, but also on meticulous patient selection, personalized treatment planning, and dedicated follow-up care.
To ensure the highest standard of care, I regularly participate in advanced Rezūm physician symposiums. Collaborating with experienced global clinicians to discuss challenging cases and evolving strategies allows me to provide treatments that strictly align with the latest clinical best practices.
— Dr. Sung, Gangnam St. Mary’s Urology Clinic
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Rezūm results last?
Five-year clinical data have demonstrated durable symptom improvement, with a surgical retreatment rate of approximately 4.4%.
What if my prostate is larger than 80g?
A consultation and ultrasound evaluation can help determine whether Rezum is appropriate for your anatomy.
Can I fly home immediately after Rezūm treatment?
Most international patients are advised to remain in Seoul for approximately 7–10 days after treatment.
Is PSA testing alone enough to rule out prostate cancer?
No. PSA testing is typically combined with a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) for an accurate screening.
Does Rezūm affect sexual function?
Compared to traditional surgery (TURP), Rezum carries a lower risk of retrograde ejaculation and has demonstrated preservation of erectile function in long-term studies.
Ready to find out if Rezum is right for you?
No referral is required. Share your symptoms, medical history, or recent test results, and we'll help you understand your treatment options before you travel to Seoul.
Our team typically responds within one business day.