Water Ablation: A New Era in Surgical Precision for BPH

Robotic Prostate Ablation

Waterjet Ablation Therapy is the only BPH procedure giving the surgeon the ability to view the entire prostate in real time, greatly aiding decision-making and monitoring. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, accessing the prostate through the urethra. Using ultrasound imaging, the surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan based specifically on the individual patient's anatomy. A robot-assisted waterjet system is used to follow the surgical plan to precisely remove the obstructive prostate tissue, while protecting the areas responsible for sexual function and continence.

Benefits of Water Ablation Therapy for BPH

Waterjet Ablation Therapy, often referred to as Aquablation, offers several potential benefits for men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate. Here's a breakdown of the key advantages:

• Precise and Targeted Treatment: Aquablation uses a high-velocity, robotically controlled waterjet to precisely remove prostate tissue. This precision minimizes the risk of damage to surrounding structures like the bladder neck, urinary sphincter, and erectile nerves.

   

• Reduced Risk of Sexual Dysfunction: Due to the precise nature of the procedure and the avoidance of heat, Aquablation is associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory dysfunction compared to some other BPH treatments like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) or laser ablation.

   

• Lower Risk of Incontinence: Similarly, the precise targeting of tissue removal helps preserve the urinary sphincter, reducing the risk of urinary incontinence after the procedure.

   

• Objective Planning and Visualization: The procedure involves pre-operative imaging (usually transrectal ultrasound) to create a 3D map of the prostate. This allows the surgeon to plan the tissue removal precisely, ensuring optimal results and minimizing the risk of complications.

   

• Suitable for Various Prostate Sizes: Aquablation can be effective for men with a wide range of prostate sizes, including larger prostates that might not be suitable for other minimally invasive procedures.

   

• Relatively Quick Recovery: Compared to traditional surgical options, Aquablation typically involves a shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery period. Many men can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.

   

• Symptom Relief: Aquablation effectively relieves the bothersome urinary symptoms associated with BPH, such as frequent urination, urgency, weak stream, and nocturia (nighttime urination).

   

• Durability of Results: Studies have shown that the symptom relief achieved with Aquablation is durable, with many men experiencing long-term improvement in their urinary function.