What Is Aquablation Therapy?

Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive, robot-assisted procedure that precisely removes excess prostate tissue using a high-velocity water jet. This treatment can improve urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.

What Does Aquablation Therapy Treat?

Aquablation therapy is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that causes urinary problems for men. Common symptoms include 

• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Urinary retention
• Weak urine stream

Who Is a Good Candidate for Aquablation Therapy?

Aquablation therapy can be performed on any sized prostate, and eligible candidates typically have the following:

• Moderate to severe BPH symptoms
• Concerns about preserving sexual functions
• Not responded well to medication for BPH

Typically, those with a prostate cancer diagnosis, an active urinary tract infection, or who are not fit for surgery or anesthesia may not be ideal candidates for this treatment.

Speak with your healthcare provider to determine if Aquablation therapy is right for you.

Preparing for Aquablation Therapy

To prepare you for treatment, a urologist will evaluate your condition through symptom scoring, urine flow studies, and prostate imaging. You may also be directed to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, and to fast in preparation for anesthesia.

What to Expect During Treatment

Aquablation therapy is performed under general or spinal anesthesia and can take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

During the procedure, a surgeon uses a robotic-assisted water jet to remove enlarged prostate tissue. The water jet uses enough pressure to remove excess tissue without damaging surrounding areas. This procedure is performed with real-time imaging, such as an ultrasound, to ensure accuracy and guide the removal of the excess tissue.

After Treatment

After Aquablation therapy, patients will have a urinary catheter in place for a few days. But most return home the same day or within 24 hours.

Patients may experience mild burning or notice blood in their urine for a few days. These side effects are no cause for concern.

After two to four weeks, most see their symptoms improve, with continued improvement in the following months.