Dr. Uricchio studies therapeutic approaches for men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged, causing urinary issues. He specializes in Rezūm water vapor therapy, which uses steam to treat urinary problems without the need for invasive surgery. His research extends to elderly patients, exploring how these therapies can benefit those with fragile health. Overall, Dr. Uricchio aims to improve urinary function and quality of life for his patients by evaluating various treatment options.
Key findings
In a study of 70 patients treated with Rezūm therapy, 94% (66 patients) successfully had their catheters removed and remained catheter-free after one year.
In comparing Rezūm therapy to Thulium Laser Enucleation for large prostates, both treatments improved urinary symptoms, but Rezūm had fewer bleeding complications.
Among 121 men treated with Rezūm, urinary symptom scores dropped significantly from an average of 20 to around 9 after three months, with only 5.8% experiencing ejaculation issues.
A study of 426 men concluded that water vapor thermal therapy is equally safe for both younger and older patients, meaning it offers treatment options without increased risks for elderly patients.
Men meeting clinical trial criteria had similar urinary improvement outcomes compared to those who did not, indicating the effectiveness of water vapor therapy for a broader patient group.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Uricchio study benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Yes, Dr. Uricchio's research focuses on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and treatment options to improve urinary function.
What treatments has Dr. Uricchio researched?
He has researched Rezūm water vapor therapy and Thulium Laser Enucleation for enlarged prostates, highlighting their effectiveness and safety.
Is Dr. Uricchio's work relevant to elderly patients?
Yes, his studies specifically address treatment safety and effectiveness for elderly men, offering them viable options for managing urinary problems.
What are the outcomes of Rezūm therapy according to Dr. Uricchio's research?
His research shows that Rezūm therapy has high success rates, with a large percentage of patients able to have catheters removed and significant improvements in urinary symptoms.
How does Dr. Uricchio's research impact treatment for advanced prostate cancer?
While his primary focus is on BPH, his work also outlines new treatment algorithms for advanced prostate cancer, improving choices for patients in different stages of the disease.
Publications in plain English
Rezūm water vapor therapy vs. thulium laser enucleation for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with large prostates: a multicenter prospective comparative study.
2025
Prostate cancer and prostatic diseases
Manfredi C, Spirito L, Quattrone C, Bottone F, Romano L +16 more
Plain English This study compared two treatments for men with enlarged prostates: Rezūm water vapor therapy and Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP). They found that while ThuLEP improved urinary symptoms more than Rezūm during follow-up, the difference wasn't big enough to matter in real-life terms. Additionally, Rezūm had fewer complications related to bleeding compared to ThuLEP.
Who this helps: This research benefits men with enlarged prostates and their doctors by providing clear options for effective treatment.
Patients with frailty, benign prostatic hyperplasia and indwelling bladder catheter: What are the 1-year outcomes after Rezūm therapy?
2025
Current urology
Balsamo R, Tammaro S, Fusco F, Barone B, Crocetto F +6 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective Rezūm therapy is for patients with frailty, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and long-term bladder catheters. Out of 70 patients treated, 66 (94%) were able to have their catheters removed successfully and remained catheter-free after one year. The therapy also led to significant improvements in symptoms related to urination.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with frailty and BPH who are dealing with bladder catheters, as well as the doctors treating them.
Is water vapor thermal therapy safe and feasible in elderly and frail men? The Italian experience.
2024
World journal of urology
Minore A, Morselli S, Franzoso F, Maruzzi D, Varvello F +9 more
Plain English This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a treatment called water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) for older men with urinary issues caused by an enlarged prostate. The researchers found that out of 426 men treated, including 60 who were older than 75, there were no significant differences in complications or surgery time between the older and younger groups. Since the results showed WVTT is equally safe for elderly patients, it means more options for treating their urinary symptoms without higher risks.
Who this helps: This benefits elderly men suffering from urinary problems and their healthcare providers.
Water vapor thermal therapy (Rezūm System) in patients with large prostates: results from a prospective comparative study.
2024
Minerva urology and nephrology
Balsamo R, Tammaro S, Trivellato M, Crocetto F, Barone B +6 more
Plain English This study looked at a new treatment called Rezūm, which uses water vapor to help men with large prostates (greater than 80 cm) who struggle with urinary problems. Researchers followed 121 patients and found that their symptoms improved significantly, with scores dropping from an average of 20 to around 9 after three months. The treatment also had a low risk of affecting sexual function, with only 5.8% of patients experiencing ejaculation issues.
Who this helps: This benefits men with large prostates and their doctors, providing a new option for managing their symptoms effectively.
Do Patients Treated with Water Vapor Therapy and Meeting Randomized Clinical Trial Criteria Have Better Urinary and Sexual Outcomes Than an Unselected Cohort?
2023
Journal of endourology
Cindolo L, Campobasso D, Conti E, Uricchio F, Franzoso F +7 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of a treatment called water vapor therapy on men with urinary and sexual problems caused by an enlarged prostate. It compared outcomes between patients who met specific clinical trial criteria (Group A) and those who did not (Group B). Both groups experienced improvements in their symptoms after the treatment, with only a slight difference in follow-up interventions: 2.6% for Group A and 3.1% for Group B.
Who this helps: This helps men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and their doctors by showing that water vapor therapy can be effective for a broader range of patients.
Anterior colporrhaphy and sacrospinous hysteropexy in women with pelvic organ prolapse: Urodynamic findings and functional outcomes.
2022
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
Balsamo R, Uricchio F, Costantini E, De Sio M, Illiano E +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how two surgical procedures, anterior colporrhaphy and sacrospinous hysteropexy, impact bladder function and quality of life in women with moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse. After surgery, urinary flow improved significantly, with the maximum flow rate increasing from 12.3 to 21.1 ml/s, and 82% of women who faced bladder outlet obstruction before surgery no longer experienced it afterward. These findings indicate that combining these two surgical techniques effectively improves bladder function and reduces distress related to pelvic organ issues.
Who this helps: This helps women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse and healthcare providers addressing their needs.
Management of systemic prostate cancer: current algorithm from castration sensitive to castration resistant setting.
2022
European review for medical and pharmacological sciences
D'Aniello C, Cavaliere C, Foglia C, Facchini S, Uricchio F +15 more
Plain English This paper looks at how to treat advanced prostate cancer, focusing on the differences between cases that respond well to hormone therapy and those that do not. The research highlights the introduction of new medications and the repurposing of existing ones, offering better treatment options tailored to the severity of the disease. This is important because it helps doctors provide more effective care, improving outcomes for men with advanced prostate cancer.
Who this helps: Patients with advanced prostate cancer and their doctors.
Melanosis of the bladder: a rare endoscopic and histopathological finding.
2007
Urologia internationalis
Di Fiore F, Pone D, Domizio S, Uricchio F, Tufano A +2 more
Plain English This paper discusses a rare condition called melanosis of the bladder, which involves unusual deposits of pigment known as melanin. The researchers reported a new case of this condition, bringing the total to only five cases documented in medical literature. Understanding this condition is important because it helps doctors recognize and diagnose it accurately, ensuring patients receive appropriate care.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with bladder issues.
Prognostic value of early electrophysiologic studies for ventricular tachycardia recurrence in patients with coronary artery disease treated with amiodarone.
1989
The American journal of cardiology
Manolis AS, Uricchio F, Estes NA
Plain English This study examined how well early heart tests can predict the chances of recurring dangerous heart rhythms, like ventricular tachycardia (VT), in 86 patients with heart disease treated with the drug amiodarone. Researchers found that 37% of patients with certain heart rhythm patterns (group I) experienced a recurrence of their arrhythmia within two years, compared to 3% in another group with fewer issues (group II). The study highlighted that a weakened heart (with less than or equal to 30% ejection fraction) significantly increased the risk of arrhythmia recurrence.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors better assess and manage patients with heart disease and arrhythmias.