Rezum water vapor in Busan, Seomyeon

Rezum injects brief 9-second bursts of water vapor (steam, 103°C) into enlarged prostate tissue through a needle in a cystoscope. The vapor delivers thermal energy that destroys excess tissue while the urethral lining is protected. The body gradually removes ablated tissue over 3 months, reducing prostate size and improving urinary flow.

UroLift's mechanical implants have limited "lifting" power — works best for smaller prostates (under 80g). Rezum actually reduces prostate volume by destroying tissue, so it works on larger prostates (80g+) and treats middle lobe enlargement effectively. Trade-off: Rezum requires catheter and longer effect development, but achieves higher effectiveness on harder BPH cases.

90%+ of Rezum patients preserve normal sexual function (no retrograde ejaculation, normal erections). Small percentage (5-10%) experience some retrograde ejaculation. Compare to alternatives: UroLift 100% preservation, BPH medication 30-60% retrograde ejaculation, TURP 75%+ retrograde. Rezum is excellent for patients who can't do UroLift but want to preserve sexual function.

2-3 days typically. Catheter is necessary due to post-procedure prostate swelling (vapor causes initial inflammation before tissue ablation). Catheter is removed at Urogyn before you fly home. Most patients adapt to catheter quickly with provided night/day drainage bags. Bladder spasm medication minimizes discomfort.

Gradual improvement over 3 months. Unlike UroLift's immediate effect, Rezum works as body resorbs ablated tissue. Timeline: Week 1-2 mild improvement (still inflamed). Month 1 noticeable improvement. Month 2 significant improvement. Month 3 full effect — most patients off BPH medication. Patience required.

Slightly. Rezum: ~75% IPSS improvement. UroLift: ~70% IPSS improvement. Both are minimally invasive. The choice depends on anatomy, not effectiveness alone. UroLift better for: smaller prostates, no middle lobe, want no catheter, want immediate effect. Rezum better for: larger prostates, middle lobe BPH, willing to wait 3 months for full effect.

Rezum equipment (Boston Scientific Rezum system) is more expensive than UroLift implants. Rezum vapor generator + single-use needle = higher cost per procedure. Despite this, Rezum at Urogyn Busan ($5,185) is still 30-50% cheaper than US Rezum ($7,000-$10,000). The cost difference reflects Rezum's suitability for harder BPH cases that UroLift can't treat.

Most blood thinners need to be stopped 5-7 days before Rezum. Aspirin 81mg often continued. Coordination with your cardiologist required. Dr. Moon can advise on safe medication holding period during consultation. Bridging therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin sometimes used for high-cardiac-risk patients.

Not "cure" — but long-lasting symptom relief. 10-15% of patients need retreatment within 5 years (additional Rezum sessions or escalation to TURP). Long-term studies show sustained improvement at 5 years. Larger initial prostates with more tissue ablated tend to have lower retreatment rates.

15-20% of patients see less than ~75% improvement. Options: (1) Additional Rezum session 6 months later if some response, (2) Escalate to TURP if severe symptoms persist, (3) Combination with BPH medication for synergy. Dr. Moon discusses retreatment options at 3-month follow-up if needed.

Credit card, bank transfer, or crypto accepted. Card descriptor reads "Busan Health Clinic" — not "Rezum" or "BPH." Payment: 50% deposit / 50% on procedure day. Itemized English receipts available for insurance reimbursement attempts (some plans cover Rezum).

Four reasons: (1) 30-50% lower cost than US/UK ($5,185 vs $7,000-$10,000), (2) Same FDA-approved Boston Scientific Rezum equipment as top US centers, (3) Dr. Moon's 4,000+ BPH patient experience and Korean Prostate Society membership, (4) Combine with 5-day Busan tourism during catheter period. International patients from Europe, US, Middle East regularly choose Busan specifically for Rezum.