Nairobi: The Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has successfully performed its first-ever Rezum Water Vapor Therapy procedure for prostate enlargement. This minimally invasive treatment was performed on a 55-year-old patient, marking KNH as the first public health facility in Kenya to offer this advanced care.
According to Kenya News Agency, the procedure represents a significant leap forward in making innovative treatments accessible to the public. Rezum Therapy is a groundbreaking treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous prostate enlargement that affects many men's urinary health. The procedure uses sterile water vapor to gently reduce excess prostate tissue, which the body then naturally absorbs, resulting in relief from obstruction and significant improvement in urine flow.
The hospital statement highlighted that the treatment was completed in approximately 20 minutes under sedation. A small device delivered targeted bursts of steam, each lasting about nine seconds. As a day-care procedure, the patient is expected to go home the same day, minimizing disruption to his life. Rezum is ideal for men with moderate to severe symptoms, especially those wishing to avoid long-term medication or preserve sexual function.
Key advantages of the procedure include its minimally invasive nature with rapid recovery, a very low risk of retrograde ejaculation compared to traditional surgery, no permanent implants, and the avoidance of general anesthesia. Patients typically see symptom improvement within 2-6 weeks, with maximum benefit at 2-3 months, and clinical evidence shows durable results lasting five years or more for most.
The achievement was made possible by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, led by Dr. D. K. Kimani, Senior Urologist at KNH and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. Other team members include Dr. A. K. Gatheru (anaesthesiologist), Ramadhan Muyika (anaesthetist), Dr. Oyugi Omondi, Dr. Eyole Njako, and Dr. Eric Mburu (senior registrars, urology), Mr. Samuel Mulati and Mr. Samuel Orina (senior nurses), and Wesley Lagat (theatre support assistant).
While Rezum therapy is well-established in Europe and the US and available in Kenyan private centers, its introduction at KNH is a significant step forward. The hospital is committed to expanding equitable access to cutting-edge urological care within Kenya's public health system. The urology team continues to embrace innovations that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.