Aquablation Therapy: State-of-the-Art Treatment for BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as BPH, affects millions of men worldwide. If you're one of every two men over 50 in the U.S. grappling with the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you might feel frustrated by your symptoms and overwhelmed by the treatment options available.

Fortunately, there's an exciting option for men with BPH: Aquablation Therapy. Let’s dive into what BPH is, the challenges posed by traditional treatments and how Aquablation could be the solution for you.

What is BPH?

BPH is a condition characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, which can lead to a variety of urinary symptoms. As the prostate grows, it can squeeze the urethra, resulting in issues like:

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Reduced sexual drive, satisfaction and performance

These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life, making daily activities and sleep challenging and creating psychological and emotional stress.

Traditional BPH Treatments and Their Challenges

When it comes to managing BPH, several treatment options are available, ranging from lifestyle changes and medication to surgery. Here’s a quick overview of each:

Medications
Common medications include alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which can help reduce symptoms. However, they often come with side effects such as dizziness, fatigue or sexual dysfunction, which can be disheartening for many men.

Surgical Options
For more severe cases, surgical interventions like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) have been the gold standard for decades. While effective, TURP can lead to complications such as bleeding, infection and sexual side effects. Some men may also experience post-surgical incontinence, which can be a significant concern.

The Need for Better Solutions
With these challenges in mind, many men are left feeling frustrated and hesitant about pursuing treatment. This is where Aquablation Therapy comes in — a leading, minimally invasive option that aims to address BPH with fewer side effects and quicker recovery times.

What is Aquablation Therapy?

Aquablation Therapy combines advanced imaging technology with a no-heat, high-velocity water jet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue. This innovative approach is performed using a robotic system, allowing for increased accuracy and control during the procedure.

How Does It Work?

1. Preoperative Imaging: The process begins with advanced imaging techniques to map out the prostate and identify areas needing treatment.
2. Robotic-Assisted Procedure: During the procedure, a specialized water jet is directed at the targeted prostate tissue. The jet’s pressure is carefully calibrated to ensure precise removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
3. Recovery and Results: Patients typically experience a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods. Many report significant improvement in symptoms soon after the procedure, often returning to normal activities within days.

Benefits of Aquablation Therapy

Minimally Invasive
One of the standout features of Aquablation is its minimally invasive nature. With no need for incisions, patients face less postoperative pain and a reduced risk of complications.

Fewer Side Effects
Unlike certain traditional treatments, Aquablation has shown promise in reducing the risk of common side effects, including sexual dysfunction and incontinence. In clinical studies, patients have reported high satisfaction rates, often without the complications associated with more invasive surgeries.

Quick Recovery
Patients can generally expect a faster recovery time with Aquablation Therapy. Most are able to resume their daily activities within days, with most symptoms resolving in 2-4 weeks, which is a welcome relief compared to the longer recovery periods associated with other surgical options.

No Need for BPH Medications
BPH medications can carry significant side effects. Men who are treated with Aquablation Therapy typically do not need to continue their previous medications to control their symptoms.

Tailored Treatment
The precision of Aquablation allows for a more personalized approach. Preoperative imaging enables the physician to create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual’s prostate size and shape, enhancing effectiveness.

Is Aquablation Therapy Right for You?

BPH can be a challenging condition to navigate, but you don't have to face it alone. With innovative solutions like Aquablation Therapy, there’s hope for a better quality of life. If you're struggling with the symptoms of BPH and are concerned about the potential side effects of traditional treatments, Aquablation Therapy could be worth discussing with your urologist. Though you may feel uncomfortable talking about it, it’s essential to have an open conversation about your symptoms, treatment goals and any concerns you may have.

Memorial offers Aquablation Therapy at Memorial Hospital Pembroke. For more information, check out Memorial Healthcare System’s webpage on the subject.