About three hundred thousand men currently living in Herts may suffer from an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH) between the ages of 50-60 years. This can lead to them searching desperately for a toilet during the day or waking up several times during the night with an urgent need to urinate, possibly with a stop/start stream.
Fortunately, there is now a new treatment called Aquablation Therapy, which is a minimally invasive treatment using imaging, robotics, and a heat free waterjet. Clinical studies have shown that Aquablation Therapy offers significant symptom relief and low rates of irreversible complications, regardless of prostate size or shape.
One of the first patients in Herts to receive Aquablation Therapy was Stevenage resident, Peter Jones, aged 65, who was treated by Professor Nikhil Vasdev, Consultant Urological & Robotic Surgeon, at Hitchin's Pinehill Hospital, earlier this year.
In May 2023, Peter Jones had to have a catheter fitted because of urinary problems but struggled to find medical support and advice. His symptoms persisted with struggling to urinate despite medical treatment. Mr Jones and his wife saw Pinehill’s Professor Vasdev to discuss treatment options for the management of his enlarged prostate and were keen to explore newer treatments that reduce the risk of potential urinary incontinence and erectile issues. Mr Jones had searched the internet and discovered the new Aquablation Therapy, available at Pinehill Hospital. Mr Jones said: “I no longer feel anxious about urinary retention recurring and I can now enjoy my life without worrying – I would definitely recommend this treatment. Thank you so much to Professor Vasdev and the wonderful staff at Pinehill Hospital.”
Professor Nikhil Vasdev, Consultant Urological & Robotic Surgeon at Pinehill Hospital, added: “Aquablation therapy is a game changer for patients with enlarged prostates. Mr Jones has benefitted from this new technology that uses the power of heat free water leading to an improvement in urinary symptoms whilst reducing side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. I am proud that we at Pinehill Hospital are offering this state-of-the-art robotic treatment for our local and national patients.”