A First for Atlantic Canada: Rezūm Therapy Comes to New Brunswick Thanks to Donor Support.

 

The first Rezūm procedures in Atlantic Canada mark an important step forward for patient care in New Brunswick.

 

On January 19th 2026, Dr. Gavin Langille of Saint John, together with Dr. Premal Patel of Winnipeg, performed the first Rezūm procedures in Atlantic Canada.

For patients in New Brunswick living with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate, this is an important step forward. It means eligible patients can now access this minimally invasive treatment closer to home, made possible through the generosity of donors to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.

 

What is BPH, and why does it matter?

 

BPH is a common condition as men get older. It can cause frustrating urinary symptoms such as a weak stream, frequent urination, urgency, and waking through the night to use the bathroom. For some patients, these symptoms can significantly affect sleep, daily life, and overall wellbeing.

Until now, patients in New Brunswick who needed surgical treatment typically relied on procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or GreenLight laser therapy. These treatments can be very effective, but they require an operating room, general or spinal anesthesia, and more hospital resources.

 

What is Rezūm therapy?

 

Rezūm is a minimally invasive treatment that uses targeted water vapour to treat excess prostate tissue. Over time, the body naturally reabsorbs that treated tissue, helping to relieve blockage and improve urinary symptoms.

The Canadian Urological Association guideline identifies Rezūm as an option for appropriate patients with bothersome urinary symptoms and an enlarged prostate. The guideline also cites five-year evidence showing durable symptom relief, improved quality of life, and preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function.

For patients, that can mean a short outpatient procedure, recovery at home, and a quicker return to normal life.

 

Why this matters for patients and the health care system

 

Introducing Rezūm in New Brunswick is about more than adding another procedure. It expands access to modern, patient-centred care.

Because Rezūm can be performed as a short outpatient procedure, it can reduce demand on tertiary operating rooms and inpatient resources. That helps free space for more complex and urgent cases at Saint John Regional Hospital while allowing more patients to receive care closer to home.

In a health care system facing staffing pressures and long wait times, innovations like this matter. They improve the patient experience, support better use of hospital resources, and help strengthen surgical capacity across the region.

 

Powered by donors

 

This advancement was made possible through donor support to the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation.

Because of donors:

• Patients can access an advanced, minimally invasive treatment in New Brunswick
• Hospital resources can be used more efficiently
• Our health care system has become stronger and more resilient

This is what community generosity makes possible: better care for patients today, and a stronger system for tomorrow.

 

A milestone for New Brunswick

 

The launch of Rezūm therapy marks an important milestone for urologic care in our province. It reflects clinical leadership, innovation, and the power of philanthropy working together.

Most importantly, it means better access, a better experience, and better care for patients and families in New Brunswick.