A minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting steam to destroy excess prostate tissue has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Up to 10,000 men with an enlarged prostate could receive the new treatment which improves their quality of life and preserves their sexual function, under new guidance from NICE.

The use of Rezum is recommended as a treatment option for men with:

• Moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)
• A moderately enlarged prostate (typically between 30cm³ and 80cm³).

Clinical evidence analysed by NICE’s medical technology advisory committee shows that using the Rezum procedure relieves LUTS caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with moderate to severe symptoms who have a moderately enlarged prostate.

Rezum is cost saving compared with standard treatments such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) by more than £550 per person over four years.

Rezum is carried out as a day procedure and men wishing to access this treatment should speak to their doctor. Currently it is being carried out in 18 NHS centres.