An anonymous donor is doing their part to improve the lives of local men facing the effects of an enlarged prostate.
Thanks to the gift, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is able to offer the Rezum urology procedure, a minimally invasive treatment that uses water vapor to shrink excess prostate tissue.
The procedure helps relieve symptoms such as difficulty urinating, thereby improving quality of life for men suffering from prostate enlargement associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
It’s the first time the cutting-edge technology has been available locally, according to Christine Mitchell, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation president and CEO.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donor, this innovative technology will offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgical options,” said Mitchell in a media release. “The Rezum procedure has few side effects and a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery.”
Rezum provides another advantage. It’s quick, with the full appointment taking place in one hour’s time, including discharge from the hospital on the same day.
Mitchell said the anonymous donor was inspired to fund the purchase of the necessary equipment after “exemplary experiences” with CKHA’s urology program.
CKHA urology specialist Dr. Christopher Langley is pleased the hospital can offer the treatment.
“Rezum is a minimally invasive treatment for BPH that offers several advantages over conventional (surgery,) said Langley. “This affords patients more variety and has several advantages pertaining to sexual function and urinary symptom improvement.”
BPH affects around 50 per cent of men by age 60, and up to 90 per cent of men by age 85.
People interested in the procedure are advised to speak with their health-care provider. Rezum is not covered by OHIP, but some private insurance carriers cover the procedure.
