Aquablation Therapy: A Minimally Invasive Solution for BPH

For many men, benign prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), becomes a common issue as they age. This non-cancerous condition can cause uncomfortable symptoms that impact daily life. St John & St Elizabeth Hospital now offers Aquablation Therapy, an innovative, minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve BPH symptoms effectively while minimising side effects. We spoke to Consultant Urologist, Mr Simon Choong, about the Aquablation procedure and how this specialised treatment can improve patient outcomes.

Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder, surrounding the urethra. As men age, this gland often enlarges, which can lead to symptoms such as:

• Frequent Urination: A pressing urge to urinate more often, especially at night, disrupting sleep.
• Difficulty Starting Urination: Difficulty initiating urination due to pressure from the enlarged prostate.
• Weak Urine Stream: A slow or weak urine flow that may stop and start.
• Incomplete Bladder Emptying: Feeling that the bladder hasn’t fully emptied after urination.

While BPH is not cancerous, its symptoms can be disruptive and may worsen over time. It’s essential to address these symptoms early to prevent complications like bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and kidney issues.

What is Aquablation Therapy?

Aquablation Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment specifically designed to address benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This innovative procedure utilises a high-velocity waterjet, controlled by robotic technology, to precisely remove excess prostate tissue that causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Aquablation Therapy offers a unique approach to treating an enlarged prostate, ensuring effective symptom relief with minimal side effects.

How Aquablation Therapy Can Help

Aquablation Therapy is a highly advanced treatment option for men with BPH, offering relief without the typical side effects associated with traditional procedures. It is significant in preserving erectile function by avoiding the heat that can damage areas responsible for erectile and ejaculatory function, thus helping to control erectile function.

Utilising a heat-free water jet, Aquablation precisely removes excess prostate tissue that blocks the urinary tract, restoring normal urine flow.

The Aquablation Therapy Process

The Aquablation Therapy process is designed to ensure optimal outcomes with minimal invasiveness. It involves two key stages: creating a surgical map and removing the prostate tissue.

Creating a Surgical Map

In the first stage, the surgeon uses a combination of ultrasound imaging and a cystoscope to create a personalised treatment plan. The ultrasound device is placed into the rectum, while the cystoscope is guided through the urethra to access the prostate. This dual approach allows the surgeon to visualise the entire prostate in real-time, identifying the specific areas of excess tissue that need to be removed. This detailed mapping ensures that only the obstructive tissue is targeted, preserving the surrounding healthy tissue and critical structures.

Removing the Prostate Tissue

In the second stage, the robotically controlled heat-free waterjet is employed to remove the excess prostate tissue. The waterjet, precisely controlled by the AQUABEAM robotic system, ensures that the tissue is removed safely and effectively. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour to complete, and patients are usually able to return home the same day or the next day. The precision of the waterjet minimises damage to surrounding nerves and other critical structures, helping to preserve urinary and sexual function. Additionally, the minimally invasive nature of the procedure reduces post-operative pain and recovery time, making Aquablation Therapy a highly effective and patient-friendly treatment option for men with BPH and LUTS.

Benefits of Aquablation Therapy Include:

• Precision: Aquablation is guided by real-time imaging, which allows the surgeon to visualise the prostate in detail, precisely removing the enlarged prostate tissue while preserving vital areas for bladder control.
• Minimally Invasive with Minimal Side Effects: Compared to traditional surgical options, Aquablation has a reduced risk of sexual and urinary side effects, allowing patients to return to their daily lives faster.
• Low Risk of Ejaculatory Dysfunction: The heat-free technology used in Aquablation Therapy minimises the risk of ejaculatory dysfunction by avoiding damage to critical areas of the prostate that control sexual function.
• Lasting Relief: This procedure provides durable symptom relief, which can significantly improve quality of life without the need for repeated treatments.

Aquablation Therapy Has Minimum Side Effects

Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that offers significant advantages for men suffering from benign prostate enlargement (BPH), particularly those with larger prostates. By utilising high-velocity water jets, Aquablation accurately removes obstructive prostate tissue while preserving surrounding structures, resulting in an exceptionally low likelihood of symptoms recurring.

This precision not only leads to long-lasting relief from urinary issues but also minimises the risks typically associated with prostate surgeries. Most men experience a quick recovery, with many discharged the day after the procedure, often without the need for a catheter and minimal pain. The emphasis on maintaining urinary continence and erectile function ensures that patients can enjoy improved quality of life with minimal disruption. With a straightforward recovery process that allows men to return to regular activities within weeks, Aquablation therapy stands out as a highly effective treatment option for BPH, regardless of prostate size or shape.

The Importance of Prostate Cancer Testing in Diagnosing BPH

Before confirming a diagnosis of BPH, it’s crucial to rule out prostate cancer, as some symptoms of BPH can overlap with those of prostate cancer. A prostate exam and additional testing can help differentiate between these conditions and guide appropriate treatment.

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital offers comprehensive prostate exams, including PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests and physical exams, which provide information about prostate health. Early detection is essential, as prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer when caught in its initial stages. We encourage men, especially those over 50 or with a family history of prostate issues, to undergo routine testing for their peace of mind and overall health.

Why Choose Aquablation Therapy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital?

Choosing Aquablation Therapy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital means receiving care from a team dedicated to your comfort, safety, and long-term health. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced medical team are here to guide you through each step, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. Aquablation Therapy also emphasises the importance of preserving erectile function by minimising damage to the prostate’s nerves, which significantly reduces the risk of complications such as erectile dysfunction.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of BPH or have concerns about prostate health, contact St John & St Elizabeth Hospital today to learn more about Aquablation Therapy and the importance of early testing.

• Telephone number: 020 7806 4060
• Email address: info@hje.org.uk