Question 1

What is Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Transurethral water vapor ablation, known as Rezum, is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that uses thermal energy from steam to shrink enlarged prostate tissue. The 10-15 minute procedure precisely targets obstructing lobes, preserving sexual function and urinary continence while providing long-term symptom relief.

Procedure mechanism: Nine-second sterile steam bursts cause immediate cell death through convective heating.
Functional preservation: This method protects erectile and ejaculatory performance by avoiding invasive surgical cutting.
Clinical setting: Surgeons perform the technique under local anesthesia or light sedation with same-day discharge.
Recovery timeline: Symptom improvement begins within 4 weeks, reaching peak clinical benefits by 12 weeks.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While many clinics market Rezum for all BPH cases, our data shows its highest efficacy in prostates under 45cc. For patients with larger glands, specialists like Prof. Dr. Ozkan Onuk at Biruni University often recommend HOLEP instead. Always request a pre-travel prostate volume measurement via ultrasound to ensure you are a candidate for the 70% savings compared to US costs.

Patient Consensus: Patients frequently note that while the procedure is fast, irritative symptoms like frequency or burning can persist for 4 to 8 weeks before the real relief begins. Most agree that the temporary catheter is a minor trade-off for avoiding the side effects of more invasive surgeries.

Question 2

What documents or medical records should I bring for a consultation in Turkey?

Accepted Answer

Patients visiting Turkey for Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation (REZUM) must bring a valid passport, current prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test results, and recent uroflowmetry reports. These documents allow surgeons at JCI-accredited facilities like Hisar Hospital Intercontinental to confirm BPH severity and rule out prostate cancer before proceeding.

Travel identification: Passport valid for 6 months beyond entry and an e-Visa.
Prostate diagnostics: Recent PSA results and ultrasound reports documenting current prostate size.
Functional tests: Urodynamic studies or uroflowmetry measurements to assess urinary flow rate.
Medication history: List of current drugs, specifically highlighting any blood thinners used.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Turkish urologists like Prof. Dr. Ozkan Onuk at Biruni University often prioritize the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Completing this self-assessment before arrival helps doctors quickly benchmark your symptom severity against their database of over 1,200 successful procedures. If you lack specific data, clinics in Istanbul frequently provide same-day uroflowmetry for approximately $150 to bridge any gaps.

Patient Consensus: Many patients suggest sharing photos of previous medical reports via WhatsApp before traveling. This prep work ensures the clinic confirms your candidacy for Rezum early, preventing any unexpected diagnostic delays after you arrive.

Question 3

What are the success rates and expected side effects?

Accepted Answer

Transurethral water vapour ablation in Turkey achieves successful outcomes for 75% to 85% of patients with prostate sizes under 80g. This minimally invasive Rezum therapy significantly improves urinary flow and symptom scores within 6 to 12 months while typically preserving erectile function.

Success markers: Most patients see 70% to 90% improvement in IPSS urinary symptom scores.
Common side effects: Patients often experience burning urination, urgency, or mild hematuria for 1–4 weeks.
Sexual health: Retrograde ejaculation or temporary incontinence occurs in fewer than 10% of cases.
Recovery period: Most men return to normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks post-procedure.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Istanbul clinics suggests that combining the procedure with post-operative alpha-blockers for 3 months may enhance long-term symptom relief. While some patients see effects fade after 2 to 3 years, choosing high-volume centers like Hisar Hospital Intercontinental ensures access to JCI-accredited safety standards and experienced urologists.

Patient Consensus: Patients report manageable recovery using standard over-the-counter pain relief. The most valued benefit is the high success rate in relieving urinary obstruction without the sexual side effects common in traditional surgeries.

Question 4

How long should I stay in Turkey for the procedure and recovery?

Accepted Answer

Most patients require a 7 to 10 day stay in Turkey for Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation (REZUM). This timeframe allows for pre-operative consultations, the minimally invasive procedure, and essential monitoring while a catheter remains in place for 3 to 7 days post-surgery.

Hospital stay: Most urologic clinics in Istanbul provide same-day discharge or 1 night hospitalization.
Catheter duration: Expect to wear a catheter for 3 to 7 days to ensure healing.
Recovery milestone: Swelling typically peaks between days 3 and 5 before symptoms begin to improve.
Travel clearance: Board-certified urologists generally clear patients for flights by day 10 or 11.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While basic recovery takes a week, patients over 60 often benefit from a 14-day stay. Data shows older patients may experience slower healing. Choosing a JCI-accredited facility like Hisar Hospital Intercontinental ensures access to advanced follow-up scans before your flight home.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize budgeting for a hotel extension as a safety buffer. Many report feeling fully ready to travel only after the catheter is successfully removed on day 7.

diagnostics
Male Check-up	$800
PSA test	$73

Best Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation Clinics in Turkey: 1 Top-Rated Centers

Discover the Best Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation Clinics in Turkey

Hisar Hospital Intercontinental

Basri Cakiroglu

How to Choose the Right Clinic for Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation: 6 Insider Tips

Top 1 Clinics for Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation in Turkey 2026 — Bookimed Insights