Aquablation is a treatment option that may help relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Although BPH is not life-threatening, it may lead to complications. Aquablation may be considered when medications or other non-surgical treatments are not enough to control symptoms.
What Causes an Enlarged Prostate?
The exact cause of enlarged prostate is unknown. Certain factors may put a person at risk of developing this condition, such as aging and a family history of prostate problems. With BPH, prostate gland cells multiply and cause it to swell, squeezing the urethra and restricting urine flow. Enlarged prostate symptoms may include:
- Frequent urination, especially during sleeping periods
- Trouble starting urination
- A weak or an interrupted urine stream
- Inability to empty the bladder through urination
- Urinary incontinence or urine leakage
How Does Aquablation Therapy Work?
Aquablation is a minimally invasive BPH treatment approved by the FDA for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It uses a high-pressure stream of water to remove extra prostate tissue that may be causing symptoms. The system includes a camera and ultrasound imaging, allowing the surgeon to view the prostate in real time and plan the treatment based on the patient’s specific anatomy.
Once the plan is set, the surgeon oversees a robot that delivers the waterjet to remove the targeted tissue. Unlike some other procedures, Aquablation does not rely on heat to remove tissue, which may help avoid damage to nearby structures involved in ejaculation and erection. In some cases, the surgeon may use a small amount of cautery to help stop bleeding or close the area.
Who Is a Candidate for Aquablation Therapy?
Candidates for Aquablation procedure are typically men with BPH who experience symptoms associated with this condition. However, a patient must be thoroughly evaluated by a urologist for their condition, medical history, overall health and other factors before recommending Aquablation as an appropriate treatment. Aquablation surgery may not be recommended to patients who have had previous prostate surgery, have a large prostate, have existing medical conditions that may increase their risk of surgical complications or have active infections in the urinary tract.
Benefits of aquablation therapy may include:
- More minimally invasive than other robotic-assisted surgeries
- Can be used for an extensive range of prostate sizes and shapes for BPH
- No incisions are needed since the prostate can be accessed through the urethra
- Less blood loss, less erectile dysfunction and a higher rate of preserving ejaculatory function and continence
What To Expect During Aquablation Therapy?
At Piedmont Medical Center, our urologists perform Aquablation therapy in our hospital. The patient will be given anesthesia for the entire procedure. Aquablation usually takes less than an hour and involves staying in the hospital overnight.
What Happens After Aquablation?
After surgery, a catheter may be needed to help with urination. While many patients are able to leave the hospital without one, others might need to stay an extra night or use a catheter at home for a few days if they’re not yet able to urinate on their own.
Recovery time can differ from person to person. Some may return to regular activities in a week or two, while others might need more time. One common precaution is to avoid lifting heavy objects for about two weeks. It's also normal to feel some burning during urination for a short period after the procedure, which may be managed with medication. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recovery instructions and let them know if you experience anything out of the ordinary.
