Water Vapor Thermal Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Umbrella Review and Updated Meta-Analysis

Purpose

Water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) is an emerging minimally invasive therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This umbrella review and updated meta-analysis aims to evaluate the comprehensive outcomes of WVTT for the management of BPH. Materials and Methods: Up to January 2025, randomized clinical trials and observational studies were included in the updated meta-analysis, while systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included in the umbrella review. Both were conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. The umbrella review protocol was pre-registered under registration identifier CRD42024514038. The research compared outcomes including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urinary flow (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PVR), sexual function, retreatment rates, adverse events and cost-effectiveness. Outcomes were analyzed using a random effects meta-analysis model. The source of heterogeneity was identified by meta-regression.