Bumrungrad International Hospital has announced success in treating patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using non-surgical water vapour therapy.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia causes prostate gland enlargement and benign prostatic obstruction.
In early September last year, the urology centre at Bumrungrad Hospital utilised the non-surgical water vapour therapy to treat BPH for the first time in Thailand.
Dr Viroj Chodchoy, medical director of the Urology Centre and specialist in urology at Bumrungrad International Hospital, added that during the past five months, there had been 65 BPH patients ranging in age from 60 to 80 at the hospital.
"Some 70%-95% were satisfied with the results of the treatment. Our urologists are following up with 53 cases to evaluate their treatment results after a month. Overall, urination has improved," he said.
"To elaborate, the patients' urine stream is stronger and faster. Before treatment, the average urination rate was 10.6 millilitres per second. Post-treatment, it increased to 22.5 millilitres per second. Patients feel they can urinate fully with almost three times less leftover urine."
Dr Viroj added that the innovative water vapour therapy takes 10-15 minutes, and the results can be seen within one month.
Water vapour therapy allows for faster recovery, has fewer risks and the prostate returns to its original physiological state and function sooner.
The treatment is especially applicable for cardiovascular, stroke, diabetic and obese patients who face difficulty urinating.
Teerapon Amornvesukit, a urology specialist at Bumrungrad International Hospital, said he believes that when Covid-19 is brought under control, there will be more patients coming to the centre, especially among those who face difficulty urinating, a frequent or urgent need to urinate especially at night, or an inconsistent urine stream.
To ensure the best possible results, Bumrungrad's Urology Centre has been moving forward to improve treatment standards for prostate conditions, including prostate cancer and reproductive system diseases.
There are currently 25 specialists at the urology centre.
"Bumrungrad has always realised the importance of raising our standards for more effective treatments," said Artirat Charukitpipat, chief executive of Bumrungrad International Hospital.
"One of our vision statements is to adopt the latest medical technology, so patients have access to a variety of treatment options which meet their needs," he said.