Aga Khan University Hospital introduces non-invasive prostate treatment

The Aga Khan University Hospital now says it has introduced a new minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate, offering Kenyan men an alternative to conventional surgery and long-term medication.

The treatment, known as Rezum Water Vapour Therapy, uses condensed steam to shrink enlarged prostate tissue, helping relieve urinary symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that commonly affects men over the age of 40.

Speaking during the launch, Aga Khan University Hospital urology specialist Dr. Amadadin Alhlib said the hospital receives a large number of patients suffering from urinary complications linked to prostate enlargement.

"We see a lot of men over the age of 40 present with lower urinary tract symptoms induced by an enlarged prostate," said Dr. Alhlib.

"Enlargement of the prostate could induce blocking of the urinary system or the bladder outlet which leads to symptoms such as frequent urination, waking up at night severally, a strong urge to urinate, weak urine flow and inability to empty the bladder."

BPH, though non-cancerous, can lead to serious complications including urinary tract infections, bladder stones and reduced kidney function if left untreated.

Current treatment options such as medication and surgery have also been associated with side effects including bleeding, erectile dysfunction and ejaculation complications.

According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), more than 14,400 men aged between 15 and 54 reported receiving a prostate-related diagnosis in 2022, yet only 14 per cent said they were undergoing treatment.

Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among men in Kenya, while awareness and screening for other prostate conditions such as BPH remain relatively low.

Dr. Alhlib said the new procedure is suitable for patients with enlarged prostates ranging between 30 and 120 grams and can be performed under general anaesthesia or mild sedation.

"It is ideal for young patients because the treatment preserves sexual function and is also recommended for elderly patients that might have complications with surgery under general anaesthesia," he said.

The outpatient procedure takes between 10 and 15 minutes and requires no surgical incisions. Clinical studies have shown patients reporting up to a 50 per cent improvement in symptoms within weeks of treatment, with nine out of ten avoiding further surgery.

The therapy offers an alternative to conventional procedures such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), which involves the removal of prostate tissue and is often associated with longer recovery periods and a higher risk of complications.

However, Dr. Alhlib cautioned that the treatment is not suitable for all prostate-related conditions.

"Rezum is only used for benign enlargement of the prostate and cannot be used for prostate cancer, patients with urinary symptoms not caused by an enlarged prostate or those with an infection," he said.

The introduction of the technology places Kenya among a growing number of countries adopting minimally invasive treatments aimed at improving patient outcomes while reducing hospital stays and recovery times.