AQUABLATION

What is Aquablation

 

Aquablation prostate surgery offers several significant surgical benefits, especially for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Here are some of the key advantages:

  1. Precision and Accuracy: Aquablation uses high-pressure water jets controlled by robotic technology to remove prostate tissue. The robotic system allows for very precise and accurate tissue removal, which can reduce the risk of damaging surrounding tissues, such as the bladder and urethra.

     

  2. Minimal Invasive Nature: As a minimally invasive procedure, aquablation requires only small incisions, which leads to a quicker recovery time and less postoperative pain compared to traditional surgical methods, like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

     

  3. Reduced Risk of Complications: Because it is a robotic-assisted procedure with highly controlled water flow, there is less risk of bleeding, infection, or thermal damage to nearby structures, which can be a concern with other methods like laser or cauterization.

     

  4. Faster Recovery: Patients typically experience a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities compared to traditional surgery. This can result in reduced healthcare costs and faster return to work or daily life.

     

  5. Preservation of Sexual Function and Continence: Aquablation has a lower risk of causing sexual dysfunction (such as erectile dysfunction) and urinary incontinence compared to some other BPH treatments, making it a more attractive option for many men.

     

  6. Effective for Large Prostates: Aquablation can treat larger prostates (over 100g), which can be more challenging for traditional methods like TURP or laser treatments. This makes it a viable option for patients who have larger prostate glands.

     

  7. Low Risk of Blood Loss: The procedure has been shown to result in minimal blood loss, which is especially beneficial for patients who are at higher risk for bleeding.

     

  8. Improved Symptom Relief: Aquablation has demonstrated effective symptom relief, improving urinary flow and reducing the frequency and urgency of urination for patients, often with results similar to or better than traditional surgical options.

 

These benefits make aquablation a promising option for men suffering from BPH, especially those seeking a minimally invasive treatment with fewer risks and a quicker recovery.

Real Time Image Guidance

How is Aquablation Performed

Aquablation is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, using high-pressure water jets. Here’s how the procedure is generally performed:

1. Preparation:

  • Anesthesia: The patient is typically given general or spinal anesthesia to ensure comfort and numbness during the procedure.
  • Cystoscopy: A small tube with a camera (a cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to visualize the prostate.

2. Robot-Assisted System:

  • Aquablation is performed using a robotic-assisted system, which includes a specialized water jet device controlled by a computer.
  • The surgeon maps out the prostate using real-time imaging to plan how much tissue needs to be removed. The robot helps ensure precise control.

3. Water Jet Ablation:

  • A thin, flexible probe is inserted through the urethra into the prostate. The probe delivers high-pressure water jets to the prostate tissue.
  • The water jet is controlled by the robotic system, ensuring that it removes only the targeted tissue without damaging surrounding structures.
  • The system can remove the prostate tissue in a way that mimics the contours of the prostate, avoiding the bladder, urethra, and other critical areas.

4. Tissue Removal:

  • The water jet works by ablating (removing) excess prostate tissue, creating a clear passageway for urine to flow through the urethra.
  • This process is both effective and precise, making it suitable for larger prostates (over 100g), which may be harder to treat with traditional methods.

5. Completion and Recovery:

  • Once the procedure is completed, the cystoscope and probe are removed.
  • A catheter may be placed temporarily in the urethra to help with urination while the area heals (typically removed after 1-2 days).
  • The patient is monitored briefly in the recovery room and, depending on the case, may go home the same day or stay overnight for observation.