Water Vapor Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is found in men aged 40 and over. Key symptoms include a weak urine stream, incomplete voiding, frequent urination, inability to hold urine, interrupted urination, and in severe cases, the inability to urinate at all. The cause is the abnormal growth and division of prostate cells, leading to an enlarged prostate. Conventional treatments involve medication and surgery.
Currently, **water vapor therapy** has been introduced to treat BPH. This method is effective and safe, having been certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA).
What is Water Vapor Therapy for BPH?
It is a treatment for BPH that uses only **steam** and takes as little as **10–15 minutes**. The doctor inserts a scope and a device through the urethra into the prostate, where steam is injected into the prostate cells. This causes the cells blocking the urinary tract to die. The body naturally eliminates these dead cells, eventually causing the prostate to shrink, making the urethra wider and allowing for normal urination.
Advantages of Water Vapor Therapy for BPH
This treatment is **non-surgical** (no external incision), does not require general anesthesia, and has a very short treatment time. Patients experience less pain, minimal blood loss, and fast recovery. It is highly safe and can therefore be used for patients with high surgical risks. It also helps reduce the risk of post-treatment erectile dysfunction.
Who is Water Vapor Therapy for BPH suitable for?
- Patients with an enlarged prostate of approximately **30–80 grams**.
- Patients who have not responded to medication or have experienced side effects from medication.
- Patients who are in poor health and are not suitable candidates for surgery requiring general anesthesia.
- Patients who do not have an artificial penile implant.
Water Vapor Therapy Procedure for BPH
- Before the procedure, the doctor will use **pain medication or local anesthesia**.
- The doctor will insert a device and a scope through the urethra into the prostate.
- The doctor will then inject **steam at 103 degrees Celsius** into the prostate, approximately **4–6 times**, depending on the size of the prostate.
- The total treatment time is approximately **10–15 minutes**.
- Once the treatment is complete, the patient will be moved to the recovery room for about 2 hours, then transferred to an inpatient room. After **one night's stay** in the hospital, the doctor will consider discharge.
- After the treatment, the doctor will leave a **urinary catheter** in place for approximately **3–5 days**. This means the patient does not have to urinate on their own, which helps speed up recovery.
- After the catheter is removed, swelling may still be present, and the patient may experience difficulty or a burning sensation when urinating, and potentially a small amount of blood in the urine.
- Generally, symptoms improve within **2 weeks**, and most patients return to normal within **6 weeks**.
Self-Care After Water Vapor Therapy for BPH
- Take medication as prescribed by the doctor.
- If you experience pain, you can take pain relievers.
- Follow the instructions for caring for the urinary catheter.
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Cost of Water Vapor Therapy for BPH
Price approximately **190,000 – 210,000 Baht**
Notes
- Hospital stay: **2 days / 1 night**.
- The price **includes** doctor's fees, service fees, room charges, meals, and take-home medication.
- The price **does not include** pre-treatment evaluation costs and follow-up examination costs.
- The price may change depending on the doctor's assessment or in the event of complications.
- **General anesthesia** will be used for the procedure.
- Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
- The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.
For More Information
- Urology Clinic, G Floor, Building 1, Tel. 043-002-002 ext. 1920
- Health Information Service Center, ext. 1905
