What to Know About Aquablation

Like a lot of guys over 50, you might be living with an enlarged prostate—what doctors call benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Getting up to use the bathroom several times a night is one of the hallmark signs. 

Your prostate normally grows as you get older. Sometimes it grows large enough to block urine flow. This can cause: 

• Frequent urination, especially at night. 
• Difficulty starting your urine flow. 
• Dribbling urine. 
• A weak urine stream. 

Your doctor can help you manage BPH with medications and lifestyle changes. But if that's not enough to relieve your symptoms, your next option might be a minimally invasive procedure. 

Relief without incisions 

In the past, men who needed surgery for their BPH often underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). TURP is still an effective treatment for BPH. But it's not the only one. A newer option, called aquablation, may have some advantages. 

Aquablation uses a powerful waterjet instead of cutting or heating to remove excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow. It is a robotically guided procedure done with live ultrasound imaging. This may make the treatment more precise than other approaches. 

Some studies suggest that aquablation may lessen the risk of the sexual side effect called retrograde ejaculation (when semen flows backward into the bladder). 

Aquablation isn't right for everyone who has BPH. Potential candidates include men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms that aren't improved enough with medicines. Your doctor can help you decide what's best for your situation. 

How it's done 

You will be given general anesthesia, so you won't be awake. The doctor will insert a scope into your urethra and guide it to your prostate. Ultrasound helps the doctor map the areas of the prostate that need to be removed with the waterjet. 

After aquablation, you'll stay the night in the hospital. You will urinate through a catheter for at least one night while your urethra heals. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to your usual activities. 

Take the first step 

If BPH is bothering you or you want to learn more about prostrate health, our experts can help. Click here to learn more about our urologist and robotic-assisted surgery options.  

References: 

Minerva Urology and Nephrology 

Therapeutic Advances in Urology 

UpToDate