If you’re considering enlarged prostate treatment options, you might have come across Aquablation therapy, a cutting-edge procedure offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) more commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
For many men over 50, exploring the BPH treatment options can be daunting. At Midlands Urology, we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed choice.
In this blog, we answer many of the questions men ask us before getting Aquablation, covering everything from safety to recovery.
Aquablation is a robotic assisted, minimally invasive procedure that uses a high-pressure water jet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue causing urinary symptoms in BPH.
It’s a precise, non-thermal treatment for men with an enlarged prostate (BPH), aiming to relieve symptoms while reducing risks like sexual dysfunction or urinary issues.
Unlike heat-based treatments like TURP, Aquablation uses no thermal energy, reducing the risk of sexual and urinary side effects.
Both Aquablation and TURP are effective for BPH, studies show Aquablation can provide similar or better symptom relief with lower rates of complications related to sexual function and continence.
Unlike TURP, Aquablation’s waterjet technology avoids heat damage to surrounding tissues, which can help preserve ejaculation and reduce recovery time.
Yes. Aquablation is considered a safe enlarged prostate treatment option for men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms. Clinical trials and NICE guidelines support its safety and effectiveness, with many patients experiencing fewer complications compared to traditional surgery.
Men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate who haven’t found relief with medications are typically good candidates. Aquablation can be particularly beneficial for larger prostates or men who wish to minimise the risk of sexual dysfunction after surgery.
The procedure typically lasts 45–60 minutes under general or spinal anaesthesia. Most patients stay in hospital overnight and are discharged the next day.
Aquablation recovery is generally faster than traditional BPH surgeries. Most men experience improvements in urinary symptoms within days, although a catheter is usually required for 1–3 days after the procedure. Many can return to light activities within a week, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 2–4 weeks.
A key advantage of Aquablation is its reduced risk of sexual side effects compared to TURP and other heat-based procedures. Most men report preserved erectile and ejaculatory function, although as with any prostate surgery, there is still a small risk.
Clinical studies show Aquablation provides significant and long-lasting improvements in urinary flow, frequency, and urgency, making it comparable or superior to TURP. The benefits have been shown to last for several years after treatment.
Most side effects are temporary, such as blood in the urine or mild discomfort while urinating. Rare risks include infection or bleeding requiring intervention. Serious complications are uncommon.
Choosing the best BPH treatment option depends on your prostate size, overall health, symptom severity, and personal preferences. A consultation with a urologist experienced in both Aquablation and other enlarged prostate treatments is the best way to understand your options.
If you’re experiencing troublesome urinary symptoms or have questions about whether Aquablation is the best BPH treatment option for you, Midlands Urology is here to help.
Our experienced urology specialists offer personalised consultations to discuss your symptoms, review diagnostic tests, and explain all urological conditions and treatments.
Contact Midlands Urology today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward improving your quality of life.