Minimally Invasive Prostate Treatment Offers Men Hope
A common healthcare concern for aging men is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 50% of men ages 50–60 will suffer from this condition.
Two Kansas City Urology Care physicians at Liberty Hospital, Justin Albani, MD, and James Magera, MD, offer a procedure to combat the side effects of BPH. Water vapor therapy is a minimally invasive, highly effective treatment that provides patients with long-lasting relief. This treatment, called Rezūm, is only available in the Northland at Liberty Hospital.
Dr. Albani started performing water vapor therapy in 2018 and has helped more than 80 patients return to their normal lives. He believes this therapy is superior when compared to alternative minimally invasive BPH treatments.
“It is minimally invasive, well tolerated and very safe. It does not involve the placement of any foreign materials, as some other minimally invasive therapies do, and allows for other forms of therapies in the future, if necessary.”
This procedure can often be performed in an office setting with mild sedation. In short, the process, uses steam to remove excess prostate tissue that may be pressing on the urethra.
Justin M. Albani, MD, FACS
Justin M. Albani, MD, FACS
James Waddle received water vapor therapy from Dr. Albani in November 2022 and has since been able to get back to living a full life.
"Before the procedure, I felt as though I needed to frequently urinate shortly after I would go to the restroom," he said. "After the procedure, I noticed a tremendous difference. I could go back to the movies, business meetings, car trips, baseball games and enjoy things I hadn't been able to do before."
He recommends the therapy. "I have been visiting Dr. Albani for a long time now, and I felt very confident in his judgment and recommendations on the procedure," Waddle said. "I have already related my experience to my friends who are suffering from similar symptoms."
Dr. James Magera also prefers water vapor therapy to other BPH treatments. He has been performing the procedure since 2022 and has helped more than 20 patients.
"This therapy is superior to medication. It is a brief procedure with low complication rates, and the results speak for themselves."
James S. Magera, MD, FACS
James S. Magera, MD, FACS
John Debey was one of Dr. Magera's patients to undergo the procedure. He suffered several years on different BPH medications without success, and he did not find relief until he had water vapor therapy.
"Before the procedure in 2022, I was on medication for almost 10 years. The side effects of the medication were far too great for me to stay on long term. I changed several medications throughout the years, but I still had to urinate very frequently."
After feeling hopeless about his options, Debey went to Dr. Magera for help.
"Dr. Magera is very knowledgeable and experienced," Debey said. "He quickly realized the medications I had been taking were not working long-term. He came up with the new treatment plan, gave me time to research Rezūm and made sure I was comfortable with what would be happening."
Debey now strongly advocates for regular urologist visits and encourages men to search for different treatment methods.
“I highly recommend Rezūm water vapor therapy to guys who are struggling with an enlarged prostate,” he said. “I know a lot of men who deal with things like this don't know that answers are out there. Some are a little reluctant and don't see a urologist annually. They might not realize there are options for treatments.”
Always speak with your primary care provider about any healthcare concerns you may have. For more information on water vapor therapy, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Albani or Dr. Magera, call 816.781.8400.
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