An advanced, minimally invasive treatment for BPH that uses imaging, robotics, and a heat-free waterjet to provide long-lasting relief with low rates of complications.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a prostate that has grown to be larger than normal. BPH is not prostate cancer. As the prostate grows, it may constrict the urethra, making it difficult to urinate and/or apply pressure on the bladder, causing it to weaken and have difficulty emptying. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition that usually affects older men. Symptoms include hesitancy during urination, interrupted or decreased urine stream (volume and flow rate), nocturia, incomplete voiding and urinary retention.
Prostates have a few lobes, each of which can grow and cause blockage. It may be important to find out if you have an obstructive median lobe.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has produced guidance on Aquablation Treatment:
Aquablation robotic therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Medtech innovation briefing [MIB315] Published: 31 January 2023.
These briefing states that:
NICE have previously issued guidance on:
Transurethral water jet ablation for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. Interventional procedures guidance IPG629] Published: 19 September 2018.
Mild symptoms are usually managed conservatively using medication. If BPH symptoms are left untreated, bladder and kidney function may be impacted over time. Additionally, using medications over a prolonged period to manage BPH symptoms, may result in some side effects.
If conservative treatment is not working, or the symptoms get worse, your consultant will discuss, the surgical options available to you and the associated risks/ benefits. One of those options being: Water ablation
The procedure should only be performed by Consultants who have been trained in this procedure using the technology. A number of Ramsay Hospitals and Urology Consultants now offer the Aquablation procedure for BPH USING: ‘PROCEPT BioRobotics’ technology.
Water ablation
Computer controlled high pressure water is used to destroy some of the prostate tissue, making it smaller.
Water ablation is probably less likely to cause side effects than other a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) techniques.
The possible advantages of the Aquablation procedure, ‘include a reduction in resection time compared with other surgical methods, and the potential to preserve sexual function. The procedure is heat-free, which removes the risk of complications arising from thermal injury. (NICE IPG629)’.
Step 1: Creating a surgical map
Your surgeon will identify important anatomy that maintains sexual function and continence to create a personalised treatment plan, shown by the blue dotted line. The tissue inside the dotted line will be removed while the tissue outside will be left in place.
Step 2:
Once the plan is created, a robotically-controlled, heat-free waterjet removes the prostate tissue. This robotic technology ensures the prostate tissue is removed precisely, consistently, and predictably.
This depiction in Step 2, is for illustrative purposes only and does not indicate clinical performance. Patient responses can and do vary.
Aquablation Therapy is a robotic surgical procedure. The surgical team will prepare you for the treatment prior to entering the operating room. The treatment itself will take less than an hour, typically 40 minutes. You will be required to stay in hospital for a few hours under observation and generally will require an overnight stay. You catheter will be assessed and typically removed 24 to 48hrs after the procedure.
Clinical studies have shown that Aquablation therapy offers significant symptom relief and low rates of irreversible complications, across prostates of all sizes and shapes.
It offers the following benefits;
If you would like to read more about the technology and patients who have had this surgery using this technology, please visit: aquablation.com
You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your aquablation therapy will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.
Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.
The procedure may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.
If you need any further information, our friendly enquiry team are on hand to help. Contact us if you would like to speak to someone for further advice or to book a consultation.
NICE Medtech innovation briefing [MIB315] Published: 31 January 2023 https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/mib315/chapter/The-technology
NICE IPG629 Published: 19 Sept 2018 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg629/chapter/2-The-condition-current-treatments-and-procedure#current-treatments
PROCEPT BioRobotics, Patient Information, visit: www.aquablation.com
NHS Website; Treatment of Benign Prostate Enlargement: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-enlargement/treatment/
Aquablation Therapy Patient
"In May 2023, I developed a bladder infection after returning from an eight-hour flight and was advised this was likely due to dehydration. I was treated with antibiotics but within days of finishing the course the infection, returned which resulted in me being on and off antibiotics until November 2023. At this time, I was told I had a slightly enlarged prostate and was prescribed Tamurex to try and improve voiding, alongside daily antibiotics and Hiprex. It wasn't until February I was informed the enlarged prostate was suitable for surgery.
The months of suffering with an infection were draining and really took a toll on my work and personal life. The combination of medication I was taking caused stomach issues and I felt very withdrawn from my usual social world. Living in the Lake District, I enjoy outside activities such as walking and swimming as well as traveling. I felt at this point in my life I couldn’t enjoy the things I love to do as my bladder became very unpredictable to the point, I felt uncomfortable travelling for work or pleasure. At its worst, I could not make the 30-minute journey to work without stopping for the toilet!
By February 2024 there were discussions about the possibility of needing to self-catheterise which was very upsetting along with the general worry my condition was more serious. At this point, I started to research into surgery options for an enlarged prostate and came across Aquablation Therapy, a minimally invasive treatment. After carrying out some extensive research I was keen to proceed with the surgery and came across The Yorkshire Clinic, one of the nearest hospitals offering this treatment.
I booked an appointment to see Mr Stewart at The Yorkshire Clinic, a consultant who specialises in Aquablation Therapy. My initial experience was seamless. Mr Stewart carried out a bladder scan, examination of my prostate, reviewed my NHS notes and organised blood tests that evening so I would not have to return to the hospital prior to surgery. I had already done my research prior to the appointment and knew I wanted to proceed with Aquablation therapy however I left the hospital feeling confident and reassured with my decision as everything was explained clearly to me.
My surgery went better than I had expected and even the following day I was relatively pain free. The hospital was outstanding and I found the staff very kind and caring, they explained everything that was happening to me clearly which made me feel at ease and relieved any anxiety I had. The difference post-surgery has been incredible, I couldn’t believe how quickly I recovered with little to no pain. Within days, the volume of urine I was passing had greatly increased and I felt more in control of my bladder. I feel so much more confident in work and public situations as I am not always looking for the toilet. The biggest difference I've noticed is only needing to get up once during the night to go to the toilet. I’m really surprised how much this one small change has had to my overall wellbeing; I now experience a better quality of sleep which has been amazing."
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