Aquablation Therapy

Aquablation therapy® is a surgical procedure that removes unhealthy or enlarged prostate tissue which may be causing discomfort. When the prostate gland grows larger than usual (but is not cancerous) it can press on the bladder and urethra in men, leading to urinary problems. Fortunately, this robotic procedure can result in long-term relief for people with prostate issues. 

Aquablation is a high-powered water jet therapy that treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) known as an enlarged prostate. During the minimally invasive technique, the prostate gland is reached through the urethra, and no incision is made into the abdomen. Aquablation therapy may take less than an hour and usually involves an overnight hospital stay.

Benefits of minimally invasive robotic therapy 

Please talk to your doctor about whether or not you might be a good candidate for this procedure. It is, after all, a surgical technique that’s performed under anesthesia. Patients may need to meet certain requirements to undergo the  surgery.

Other benefits of aquablation therapy for an enlarged prostate include:

Fewer complications with robotic surgery
One of the main benefits of robotic surgery means that it does not require deep incisions, which reduces the risk of infection and complications. The water jet used in the procedure is precise and targeted, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and leading to a quicker recovery.

Less risk of blood clots
One of the most common complications of traditional BPH surgery is the formation of blood clots in the bladder. They can cause pain and difficulty urinating, and may require more surgery. However, the risk of blood clots is significantly reduced with ablation. The water jet used in the procedure can flush out unhealthy cells.  

Shorter hospital stay
Because it is minimally invasive, robotic surgery typically requires a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional BPH surgery. Patients may stay overnight in the hospital but many are able to return home the same day after robotic surgery.

You may not need a catheter
As with most BPH procedures, patients will wake up with a catheter – a thin, flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine. We may send the patient home with a catheter for a few days if they’re unable to empty their bladder at the time of discharge. 

Most patients end up leaving the hospital without a urinary catheter. Once home, patients may experience mild burning during urination for a couple of weeks. This can usually be managed with mild pain medication.

Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.