Compare
TURP vs Rezum — How They Compare
A side-by-side comparison of two very different BPH therapies: the long-standing surgical gold standard versus the leading minimally invasive office-based option.
At a glance
- TURP — Endoscopic surgical resection. Best durability. Higher retrograde-ejaculation rate.
- Rezum — Office-based steam therapy. Faster recovery. Lower sexual-side-effect rate. Re-treatment rate slightly higher at 5 years.
Candidacy
TURP: Prostates 30–80 g, moderate-to-severe LUTS, willing to accept retrograde ejaculation, otherwise reasonable surgical candidate.
Rezum: Prostates 30–80 g (limited data above), wants to preserve antegrade ejaculation, prefers outpatient procedure, may have median lobe.
Procedure setting
TURP: Hospital, spinal or general anesthesia, 1-night stay typical.
Rezum: Office or outpatient suite, sedation or local, same-day discharge.
Recovery
TURP: Catheter 1–3 days, return to work 1–3 weeks.
Rezum: Catheter 3–7 days, return to work in days.
Sexual function
TURP: Retrograde ejaculation in 65–75%, new ED ~5–10%.
Rezum: Most retain antegrade ejaculation, ED uncommon.
Durability
TURP: 5-year re-treatment rate ~5%.
Rezum: 5-year re-treatment rate ~4–5% in pivotal trial follow-up.
Which is better?
Neither — they serve different patient priorities. Use this comparison as a starting point for a conversation with a urologist who performs both.