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Aquablation therapy for enlarged prostate (BPH)
Aquablation Therapy is a robotic procedure that uses a heat-free waterjet to remove prostate tissue and relieve urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This advanced prostate treatment is performed using the AquaBeam Robotic System, which combines real-time ultrasound imaging with a robotic system to ensure precise treatment mapping and targeted prostate tissue removal.
The waterjet of the AquaBeam accurately removes excess prostate tissue while preserving surrounding structures, reducing the rate of irreversible complications such as incontinence and ejaculatory dysfunction.
Aquablation Therapy is a suitable intervention for men with moderate to severe prostate enlargement and remains an effective treatment option for those seeking relief without the risks of invasive surgery. The procedure is performed under anaesthesia and typically requires only a short hospital stay, allowing patients to return to their normal activities quickly.
Our hospital, located in St John’s Wood (NW8), offers private Aquablation therapy in state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring expert care for men experiencing urinary problems due to BPH.
Why choose Aquablation Therapy?
In clinical studies, 99% of men preserved continence, 100% men of preserved erections and 89% men preserved ejaculation. To find out more visit www.aquablation.com.
For more information about potential side effects and risks associated with Aquablation therapy, speak with your urologist or surgeon.
Lower risk of complications
Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated that Aquablation therapy outperforms traditional surgical options in terms of preserving continence, erections and ejaculation. Regardless of prostate size and shape, Aquablation delivers consistent and dependable outcomes.
Robotic precision & imaging
Aquablation therapy is the only procedure that uses robotic technology for precise tissue removal. This advanced technique minimises the risk of human error and improves accuracy. Aquablation also benefits by integrating ultrasound imaging so that surgeons gain real-time visualisation of the entire prostate to enhance surgical precision.
Long term symptom relief
Patients who undergo Aquablation therapy can anticipate long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms. Clinical studies have indicated significant improvements persisting for up to five years following the procedure. The recovery process following Aquablation therapy is designed to prioritise patient comfort.
Consultants offering Aquablation Therapy
Aquablation Therapy vs other surgical methods
In this video, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Mr Leye Ajayi, discusses Aquablation therapy and its benefits versus traditional surgical methods for BPH (also known as enlarged prostate).
The procedure uses a robotic system and a heat-free water jet to remove excess prostate tissue, reducing the risk of side effects like sexual dysfunction and incontinence compared to traditional surgical methods.
Simon’s experience with Aquablation Therapy
In this video, Simon talks about the aquablation therapy he had in our hospital performed by Mr Leye Ajayi to treat his enlarged prostate. He experienced life-changing results and just 10 days after the procedure he was able to travel back home to Africa and was back to running a 10k within two weeks!
Watch as Simon talks through his experience with the procedure, and the surgeon.
Why choose Aquablation Therapy?
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we are proud to offer Aquablation therapy as part of our Urology services. This innovative, minimally invasive procedure uses a heat-free waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue, helping to preserve sexual function and reduce the risk of incontinence. Treatment is delivered using a state-of-the-art system, which combines real-time ultrasound imaging and robotic precision for highly accurate results.
Most patients experience a quick recovery, with minimal discomfort and a short hospital stay—many return to their usual routines within just a few days. Aquablation Therapy is covered by a range of private medical insurers, and we also offer self-pay packages with clear pricing and fast access, without the need for referral delays or pre-authorisations.
Conveniently based in St John’s Wood, we welcome patients from across London, including Hampstead and Kilburn, offering expert prostate care in a calm, supportive environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquablation Therapy
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our hospital ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes
Aquablation Therapy is an innovative, NICE-approved treatment. It offers precise and minimally invasive treatment for patients struggling with an enlarged prostate (BPH).
Before your procedure, your surgeon will create a personalised treatment plan which identifies important anatomy to preserve in order to maintain sexual function and continence.
Once the plan is created, a robotically-controlled, heat-free waterjet removes the prostate tissue. This robotic technology ensures the prostate tissue is removed precisely to provide long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms.
The Aquablation procedure is an advanced, robotic therapy that uses a heat-free waterjet to remove prostate tissue in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This minimally invasive prostate treatment is performed using the AquaBeam Robotic System, which integrates real-time ultrasound imaging and a robotic system to deliver precise prostate tissue removal while preserving surrounding structures.
Step-by-Step: How the Aquablation Procedure Works
- Anaesthesia & Preparation: The procedure is performed under anaesthesia to ensure comfort. A cystoscope with a camera is inserted through the urethra to visualise the prostate enlargement.
- Real-Time Imaging & Treatment Mapping: The AquaBeam Robotic System combines real-time ultrasound imaging with advanced treatment mapping, allowing the consultant urological surgeon to customise the approach.
- Heat-Free Waterjet Ablation: The heat-free waterjet removes excess prostate tissue without causing thermal damage to surrounding structures or unnecessary harm to the body.
- Minimising Complications: The robotic system ensures accurate prostate tissue removal, significantly reducing the rate of irreversible complications, such as incontinence, ejaculatory dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction.
- Completion & Recovery: The procedure typically requires only a short hospital stay, and most men experience minimal pain and a faster return to normal activities.
Most patients notice an improvement in urinary flow and a reduction in urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) shortly after the procedure. Aquablation therapy is considered one of the most effective treatment options for prostate enlargement with a low rate of irreversible complications.
Aquablation uses robotic technology together with real-time imaging to enhance surgical precision. Because of this, Aquablation therapy carries an exceptionally low risk of common side effects typically associated with alternative BPH treatments, such as loss of sexual function and incontinence. Clinical studies have indicated significant improvements persisting for up to five years following the procedure.
You should not have any pain from the operation, but you may have some discomfort from the catheter.
If you experience spasms from the catheter, or have a sudden urge to pass urine, please tell a member of staff as these symptoms can often be relieved.
You may experience a mild burning feeling or find it a little uncomfortable to pass urine at first. This is because your urethra will be swollen and sore from the surgery and having the catheter in place. This is normal and should not last long (usually between 10 days and two weeks).
No, Aquablation therapy does not remove the entire prostate. Instead, it precisely removes prostate tissue responsible for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The AquaBeam Robotic System ensures controlled prostate tissue removal, preserving surrounding structures and reducing the rate of irreversible complications such as incontinence and ejaculatory dysfunction.
Patients are usually able to go home after a 1 night stay. Most men recover within one to two weeks, with many experiencing noticeable improvements in urinary flow shortly after the procedure. The minimally invasive nature of Aquablation therapy allows for a short hospital stay, reduced pain, and a quicker return to normal activities. Full recovery may take a few weeks, but most patients can resume daily tasks without major restrictions.
Heavy lifting should be avoided for the first week or so following the procedure. However, return to light exercise and work activities should be possible within 7 to 14 days. You should be able to have sexual intercourse soon after surgery, as long as there is no bleeding and you and your partner both feel ready.
Aquablation offers long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms, with benefits that can extend for years. Clinical studies show that its effectiveness and safety are maintained even after five years, with durable symptom improvement and a low retreatment rate.
Aquablation therapy is a highly effective treatment for BPH, offering significant and lasting symptom relief. Clinical studies show that nearly all patients maintain continence, erectile function, and ejaculatory function, with an average IPSS improvement of over 16 points.
The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a standard measure used to assess the severity of urinary symptoms, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms and greater improvements reflecting better outcomes.
Clinical studies report that 100% of sexually active men maintained erectile function, over 89% preserved ejaculatory function, and 99% did not experience incontinence after the procedure.
Yes, Aquablation therapy is considered a safe and effective procedure for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It has a low rate of irreversible complications, such as incontinence and ejaculatory dysfunction, compared to traditional prostate treatments. The AquaBeam Robotic System ensures precision by combining real-time ultrasound imaging with heat-free waterjet technology, reducing the risk of damage to surrounding structures.
You may be a good candidate for Aquablation therapy if you are experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is particularly beneficial for men with moderate to severe prostate enlargement who want a minimally invasive procedure with a reduced risk of complications. Your consultant urological surgeon will assess your condition and discuss the best treatment options for you.
- Minimally Invasive: No incisions are required, as the procedure is performed through the urethra.
- Heat-Free Waterjet Technology: Unlike other prostate treatments, this method avoids thermal damage to surrounding structures.
- Low Risk of Side Effects: Aquablation therapy has a low rate of irreversible complications, reducing the chances of incontinence, ejaculatory dysfunction, and erectile dysfunction.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients have a short hospital stay and return to normal activities within a few days.
- Effective for Large Prostates: The AquaBeam Robotic System can treat a range of prostate sizes, making it a versatile treatment option for BPH.
Medically reviewed by Mr Leye Ajayi - MBBS MD FRCS FRCS (Urol) on 14/01/2025