Kenyan Hospitals Expand Access to Innovative Prostate Treatment

Patients in Kenya suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, now have increased access to advanced treatment options as more hospitals adopt Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy.

This minimally invasive procedure, which uses steam to target and shrink excess prostate tissue without surgical incisions, has been introduced at five facilities, including Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi (AKUH-N), and AAR Hospital.

Expanding Treatment Options

• KNH became the first public hospital to perform Rezūm therapy in January.
• AKUH-N started offering the procedure in June.
• AAR Hospital recently completed its first treatment.
• Other providers include Advanced Urology Clinic and URO-CARE.

BPH symptoms include weak urine flow, frequent urination, especially at night, and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Treatment varies by symptom severity and prostate size, ranging from lifestyle changes and medication to surgical interventions.

Traditional surgeries like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and laser procedures remove obstructive tissue, but Rezūm offers a less invasive alternative. The therapy delivers steam through the urethra to ablate prostate tissue, which then shrinks over time, relieving urinary obstruction.

Expert Insights and Patient Selection

Consultant urologists Dr. Amadadin Alhlib and Dr. Patrick Mararo highlight Rezūm's benefits, including shorter recovery times and reduced treatment burden compared to conventional surgery. However, the therapy is suitable only for certain patients.

Assessments involve ultrasound, uroflowmetry, and PSA testing to exclude cancer and confirm prostate size below 120 grams. The procedure is not appropriate for infections or prostate cancer.

"Rezūm is a thermoablation technique using water vapour at about 70 degrees Celsius to destroy prostate adenoma tissue," explained Dr. Amadadin. "It is strictly for benign enlargement and not for cancer treatment."

Procedure and Costs

The outpatient treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes, with clinical studies showing up to 50% symptom improvement within weeks and 90% of patients avoiding further surgery.

Costs range from approximately KSh 600,000 to KSh 700,000, varying by hospital and excluding some out-of-pocket expenses. While private insurance may cover part of the cost, the Social Health Authority (SHA) does not currently reimburse for Rezūm therapy.

Prostate Health in Kenya

The 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey reported over 14,400 men aged 15 to 54 diagnosed with prostate conditions, but only 14% had received treatment, underscoring the need for expanded access to effective therapies.