Rezum Water Therapy vs. Traditional BPH Surgery: What’s Best for 2025?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, affects a growing number of men in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver each year. With advances in medical technology and patient-focused care, men now have more choices than ever before when it comes to BPH treatment. Among the most talked-about innovations is Rezum Water Therapy—a minimally invasive steam treatment designed to relieve symptoms quickly and with fewer side effects. But how does this method compare to traditional BPH surgery heading into 2025? Here’s a side-by-side look to help you make an informed decision, brought to you by the experts at TCBH Surgical Centre.
Understanding BPH and Your Treatment Options
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly leads to troubling urinary symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak urine stream
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
While traditional surgical procedures, like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), remain a mainstay for severe cases, new, less invasive alternatives are quickly redefining prostate care in Canada.
What Is Rezum Water Therapy?
Rezum Water Therapy harnesses the natural energy stored in water vapor to treat the excess prostate tissue causing urinary problems. A small amount of steam is delivered directly into the prostate, where it quickly destroys problematic tissue—allowing the body to clear it away naturally.
Key Benefits of Rezum Therapy:
- Minimally invasive procedure
- No general anesthesia required
- Quick recovery (often within days)
- Fewer long-term side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or incontinence
- Outpatient treatment—no hospital stay needed
At TCBH Surgical Centre, we have seen outstanding outcomes in patients across Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, with most reporting noticeable improvements within a few weeks and significant relief after three months.
Traditional BPH Surgery: Still the Gold Standard for Some
Procedures like TURP and open prostatectomy have long been used to manage severe cases of BPH. These surgeries are performed under anesthesia and involve the physical removal of excess prostate tissue, typically yielding excellent long-term symptom control.
Pros and Cons of Traditional BPH Surgery:
Pros:
- Effective for severe or complicated BPH
- Immediate symptom relief for most patients
- Well-established safety profile
Cons:
- Invasive, requiring hospital admission and anesthesia
- Longer recovery time—often several weeks
- Higher risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, erectile dysfunction, or incontinence
For many men, especially those with very large prostates or additional urinary tract issues, traditional surgery may still be the most appropriate option.
Rezum Water Therapy vs. Traditional Surgery: What Matters for Patients in 2025?
New data and evolving patient needs are making minimally invasive options more attractive than ever as we move into 2025. Key considerations include:
- Recovery Time: Most men return to normal activities in days after Rezum therapy, versus weeks following traditional surgery.
- Side Effect Profile: Rezum has a lower risk of permanent side effects, crucial for maintaining urinary and sexual health.
- Convenience: Outpatient setting and no hospital stay for Rezum suit busy lifestyles in major Canadian cities.
- Long-Term Results: Many patients report symptom relief lasting years with Rezum, though some may need repeat treatments. Surgery typically yields lasting improvement but with a higher initial risk.
Who Should Consider Rezum Water Therapy?
At TCBH Surgical Centre, we recommend Rezum Water Therapy for men who:
- Have moderate BPH symptoms impacting quality of life
- Want to avoid hospital admission and general anesthesia
- Wish to preserve sexual function and minimize side effects
- Are seeking an alternative to long-term medication
When Might Traditional BPH Surgery Be Best?
Traditional surgery remains ideal for those with:
- Severely enlarged prostates
- Complicated urinary symptoms or bladder stones
- Failure to respond to less invasive treatments
Experience the Future of Prostate Care at TCBH Surgical Centre
Choosing the right BPH treatment is a personal decision. Rezum Water Therapy offers an innovative, effective, and convenient solution for many men—but traditional surgery remains an important option for complex cases.
If you’re struggling with urinary health, our multidisciplinary team at TCBH Surgical Centre is here to guide you. Serving Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, we prioritize minimally invasive prostate health solutions backed by the latest technology and compassionate care.
Ready to reclaim your quality of life? Contact TCBH Surgical Centre today to book a personalized BPH consultation. Discover which treatment is best for you and experience advanced, patient-centered prostate care close to home.