New procedure to treat patients with enlarged prostate

Musgrove Park is the first hospital in the south west to offer the treatment on the NHS

A new procedure to treat patients with an enlarged prostate is now available in the south west.

Musgrove Park Hospital, in Taunton, has become the first in the region to offer patients the state-of-the-art treatment on the NHS.

The new surgical procedure, called Rezum, involves steam being injected into the prostate gland to help to relieve symptoms caused by an obstruction – a very common problem in patients over 50 years old.

The position of the steam injections is guided by the surgeon, under direct vision using a telescope.

One-day treatment

Robert Jones, a consultant urologist at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are pleased to be the first trust in the south west to offer this innovative prostate treatment on the NHS, and we want to thank our League of Friends for purchasing the machine for us.

“Compared to more invasive procedures where patients would have needed a stay in hospital, Rezum is much more comfortable for the patient and has a more rapid recovery."

Mr Jones said the feedback so far had been "very positive".

The treatment is usually performed under a brief general anaesthetic, and can be carried out in a day.

Fundraising

The machine was paid for by fundraisers

Musgrove Park's League of Friends donated the money to buy the machine, thanks to its donors and fundraisers.

Chairman Peter Renshaw said: "We are thrilled to play a part in helping Musgrove lead the way in the south west, and we are hugely grateful to all those people who continue to support us so generously, especially in difficult financial times."