Medically Reviewed by: Chris Kannady, MD
As men get older, the risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, increases. This condition can lead to bothersome symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or maintaining a steady urine stream, and even urinary retention. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to manage BPH, ranging from medications to surgical interventions. Among these options, one stands out for its effectiveness and minimally invasive nature: aquablation therapy.
With its innovative waterjet technology, aquablation therapy offers a precise and minimally invasive approach to treating BPH, promising long-lasting relief with shorter recovery times. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the landscape of BPH treatments, highlighting the advantages of aquablation therapy for prostate issues as the preferred option for those seeking effective and gentle relief from uncomfortable symptoms.
Understanding BPH and Its Treatments
Before delving into aquablation therapy, let's cover the basics of BPH and the treatments typically offered. BPH occurs when the prostate gland enlarges, compressing the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine. This condition affects millions of men worldwide and can significantly impact their quality of life.
Traditional treatments for BPH include medications such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which relax the muscles of the prostate and reduce its size. While these drugs can be effective in alleviating symptoms for some individuals, they may also come with side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.
For men with more severe symptoms or those who do not respond well to medication, surgical interventions may be necessary. Conventional surgical procedures for BPH include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser therapy, and open prostatectomy. While these methods can provide relief, they often involve longer recovery times and carry a higher risk of complications.
What is Aquablation Therapy?
Aquablation therapy offers a groundbreaking alternative to traditional surgical approaches for BPH. Developed as a minimally invasive procedure, aquablation therapy utilizes the precision of waterjet technology to remove excess prostate tissue while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
During an aquablation therapy procedure, the urologist uses a robotic system to guide a high-velocity waterjet to the targeted areas of the prostate. This focused stream of water ablates the obstructive tissue, creating a wider channel for urine to flow freely. The entire process is controlled and monitored by the surgeon with real-time ultrasound, ensuring accurate and customized treatment for each patient.
Advantages of Aquablation Therapy
Aquablation therapy holds several advantages over conventional surgical methods for BPH treatment. Its minimally invasive nature results in reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgeries like TURP or open prostatectomy. This means patients can return to normal activities sooner and experience fewer post-operative complications.
Furthermore, aquablation therapy offers precise and consistent outcomes, improving patients’ urinary symptoms and a higher quality of life. Unlike some medications, Aquablation provides long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms without the need for ongoing treatment or medication management.
Aquablation Compared to TURP
When comparing aquablation to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), it’s evident that both are resective surgeries aimed at addressing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). However, Aquablation distinguishes itself through its remarkable precision. While TURP is a commonly cited procedure, there are potential risks to this approach. TURP involves the insertion of a resectoscope through the urethra to remove obstructive prostate tissue by using heat. Although effective, TURP can be associated with notable drawbacks including the risk of bleeding, retrograde ejaculation, and longer recovery times.
In contrast, aquablation utilizes a robotically controlled waterjet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures without heat. This precision not only allows effective symptom relief but also reduces the likelihood of complications and facilitates quicker recovery, making aquablation a compelling alternative to TURP for individuals seeking BPH treatment.
Comparing Aquablation Therapy to Other Treatment Options
When choosing between BPH treatment options, it’s advisable to assess the pros and cons of each method. While medications can alleviate symptoms for some, they often fail to address the root cause of BPH and can entail adverse effects. Surgical procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser therapy, although effective, may pose higher risks of complications and necessitate prolonged recovery periods.
Unlike traditional approaches, aquablation therapy strikes a balance by combining the efficacy of surgical intervention with the minimally invasive nature of modern technologies. Through precise removal of excess prostate tissue, while minimizing damage to surrounding areas, aquablation therapy allows lasting relief from symptoms while preserving sexual function and limiting post-operative urinary incontinence, a feature not commonly found in other BPH treatments.
Aquablation at CLS Health
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can significantly impact a man’s quality of life, but effective treatment options are available. Among these options, aquablation therapy stands out as a cutting-edge approach that offers precise, minimally invasive treatment for BPH. By leveraging the power of waterjet technology, aquablation therapy provides long-lasting relief from urinary symptoms with shorter recovery times and fewer complications compared to traditional surgical methods.
If you or a loved one is struggling with BPH symptoms, consider exploring Aquablation therapy for prostate issues. To learn more about urological services and schedule a consultation, visit our urology page.
