Dr. Meaglia now offers revolutionary Rezum® therapy to select BPH patients

December 4th, 2017 by admin

Dr. James Meaglia is now offering Orange County Urology patients the Rezum® system, a minimally invasive treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Designed to be performed in a clinical setting, Rezum is an FDA approved treatment that uses the stored thermal energy in water vapor (steam) to treat the extra prostate tissue that is causing symptoms such as frequency, urgency, irregular flow, weak stream, straining, and getting up at night to urinate.

BPH is a localized enlargement of the prostate gland in aging adult men. Nearly 12 million U.S. men suffer from BPH related symptoms that may require therapy, yet more than half choose not to do anything to address their BPH symptoms. Their reasons include not wanting to start new prescriptions, hesitations around the potential side effects of drugs, and concerns about the potential side effects or complications of current minimally invasive BPH treatments or surgical procedures.

“I am pleased to now offer select patients the Rezum® procedure as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Rezum is administered on an outpatient basis and can be performed under oral sedation or local anesthesia. Research studies have shown that the Rezum treatment allows men to retain sexual function unlike many other existing BPH treatments,” Dr. Meaglia said.

Dr. James Meaglia is the first doctor at Orange County Urology Associates certified to perform the FDA approved Rezum therapy. For years, the primary options for treating BPH were through medications or surgery, making Rezum a new option for patients who are dissatisfied with their current choices for treating BPH.

How Rezum Works

The Rezum therapy is completed in a single visit; there is no need for ongoing therapy.

It works by delivering very small amounts of steam to the enlarged prostate. This process damages the cells causing obstruction, thus reducing the overall size of the prostate and the symptoms associated with BPH such as:

• A weak urine stream
• Trouble starting the flow of urine
• Starting and stopping again when urinating
• Not emptying your bladder completely
• Urinating more often, especially at night
• Sudden urges to urinate
• Leaking or dribbling after you urinate
• Straining to urinate.

Next Step: Schedule an Appointment

Patients interested in a consultation with Dr. Meaglia to determine if they are a candidate for the Rezum® system should call appointment scheduling at (949) 855-1101.

Procedure Day

Treatment is a minimally invasive procedure conducted in-office that does not require general anesthesia. Patients need to be driven home after the procedure. Over the next several days, patients can gradually resume their regular activities.

Symptom Improvement

BPH symptoms may improve in as little as two weeks.

Rezum Procedure Quick Facts:

• Using water vapor therapy, Rezum is a minimally invasive, single-visit, out-patient procedure shown to significantly reduce the symptoms of BPH.
• Delivers small amounts of steam to obstructing prostatic tissue.
• Treated tissue is reabsorbed into the body naturally, reducing the overall size of the prostate and the symptoms associated with BPH.
• Rezum treatment is appropriate for small to medium prostate lobes, between 30g and 80g.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition that can cause bothersome urinary symptoms. As men age, their likelihood of experiencing the bothersome symptoms of BPH increases. Fifty percent of men age 50 and older have BPH, and eighty percent of men age 80 and older have the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an enlarged prostate improve without treatment?

Early on, enlarged prostate symptoms may come and go, so taking a “wait and see” approach to mild symptoms is reasonable. Over the long-term, however, symptoms tend to get gradually worse.

Is the Rezum therapy covered by insurance?

Rezum therapy is covered by most insurance plans to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

If the Rezum therapy is new, how do I know it is safe?

The Rezum therapy has undergone extensive clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the treatment, and was approved by the FDA in late 2015.

Highlights of the therapy include:

• Performed in-office and patients can be driven home afterward
• Does not require general anesthesia
• Relieves symptoms safely and effectively
• Is an alternative to BPH daily medications
• Provides noticeable symptom improvement within 2 weeks
• Preserves erectile and urinary functions
• Allows patients to return to regular activities within a few days
• Is considered medically necessary by Medicare and is covered by most private insurance plans.

Illustration credit: Rezum® system

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland. The condition affects 12 million men in the U.S., with nearly 800,000 newly diagnosed each year. An enlarged prostate squeezes down on the urethra, causing lower urinary tract symptoms. After the Rezum® system therapy has been performed, over time the body’s natural healing response removes the dead cells, shrinking the prostate. With the extra tissue removed, the urethra opens, reducing BPH symptoms. Most patients begin to experience symptom relief in as soon as 2 weeks and maximum benefit will occur in about 3 months.