Many men suffering from the impact of an enlarged prostate have improved their quality of life with prostate Aquablation therapy. But is it right for you?
Aquablation therapy is a minimally-invasive robotic procedure for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to an enlarged prostate. Keep reading to learn more about this cutting-edge procedure, what makes someone a good candidate, and how it compares to other BPH treatments.
What is BPH?
BPH is a non-cancerous condition in which the flow of urine is blocked due to the enlargement of the prostate gland. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, BPH is the most common prostate problem for men over 50.
If left untreated, BPH can cause significant health problems, including:
- Urinary retention
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bladder damage
- Bladder stones
- Kidney damage
What is prostate aquablation?
Prostate Aquablation therapy is performed by a trained urologist using the AquaBeam® Robotic System. It’s the first FDA-cleared surgical robot that uses automated tissue resection to treat lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH.
The Aquablation procedure starts with advanced imaging to map a patient’s anatomy and create a personalized treatment plan. Once the anatomy map is complete, the urologist uses a device called the AquaBeam System to direct a jet of water at the excess prostate tissue and remove it.
The heat-free waterjet ablation allows for targeted, controlled, and immediate removal of prostate tissue while preserving sexual function and continence. The entire procedure only takes about 60–90 minutes.
Logansport Memorial Hospital is pleased to be the first in north central Indiana to offer Aquablation therapy for treating BPH.
Benefits of Aquablation
Patients undergoing prostate Aquablation therapy see many benefits, especially compared to other BPH surgical treatments. Many of these treatments force men to make a difficult trade-off between symptom relief and side effect risk.
Some BHP treatments provide a high degree of symptom relief but have high rates of complications, like incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Others have lower rates of complications but provide minimal symptom relief.
Aquablation offers patients both a high degree of symptom relief and low rates of complications. Some of the significant benefits of Aquablation therapy include the following:
- No incisions necessary (urologist enters through the urethra)
- Less pain after surgery
- Faster recovery than traditional surgeries
- Lower risk of sexual dysfunction or incontinence
Who should get Aquablation?
The prostate Aquablation procedure is not typically recommended for men with previous prostate surgery or certain medical conditions.
Aquablation therapy may be a promising treatment option when:
- BPH symptoms are moderate to severe
- Medications aren’t helping relieve symptoms
- The patient can longer urinate on his own and uses a catheter
- Your prostate is very enlarged
- You’re experiencing other complications of BPH
The type of BPH treatment that is right for you depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition and the results you’re hoping to achieve. Your urologist can discuss your treatment options and recommend the best path forward.
What to expect during and after the procedure
Most people will only be in the hospital for one day (or less) for Aquablation therapy. Recovery after prostate Aquablation is generally quicker than other surgical BPH treatments.
After the procedure, you may feel discomfort and need to urinate frequently for a few days. Your urologist will prescribe medication to help with any pain or discomfort. They may also have you avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity while you recover.
Recovery times after Aquablation can vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a week or two.
FAQs about prostate Aquablation
Below are some frequently asked questions our urology team gets from patients with BPH considering Aquablation as a treatment option.
What is the leading cause of prostate enlargement?
The chances of having an enlarged prostate are typically based on age and genetics. If you have a family history of prostate enlargement, you are more likely to develop it, especially if you’re over 60. Prostate enlargement usually happens gradually as you age, and some men can start experiencing BPH symptoms as early as their 40s.
Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal?
It’s hard to reverse an enlarged prostate entirely. Still, many treatments can reduce the size, relieve symptoms, and restore normal urine flow. Many men with an enlarged prostate live a healthy life with treatment.
What happens if an enlarged prostate is left untreated?
If conditions caused by BPH are left untreated (using prostate Aquablation or another method), men can develop urinary infections, bladder stones, bladder damage, and permanent kidney damage.
What does a urologist do if your PSA is elevated?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. An elevated PSA level can be an early sign of prostate cancer. However, other factors not related to cancer—like prostate enlargement or inflammation—can also increase PSA levels.
Doctors can do a blood test to check your PSA level and monitor any changes. If your level rises, they may order more tests to screen for prostate cancer or other urologic diseases.
Which is better: TURP or Aquablation?
The best treatment options for your prostate health depend on several factors and should be discussed with an experienced urologist. That being said, recovery times are generally shorter after prostate Aquablation therapy than with other surgical procedures, like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
Read more FAQs about Aquablation therapy
LMH is an Indiana leader in Aquablation therapy
The urology team at Logansport Memorial Hospital is proud to be among the first in the state of Indiana to offer Aquablation therapy. LMH urologist Dr. Stephen Beck uses this solution to help his patients with BPH feel better and live better.
If you have questions about the prostate Aquablation procedure and want to find out if it may be a good option for you, Dr. Beck is accepting new patients and can meet with you during a scheduled appointment.
