Aquablation

Aquablation Therapy for BPH Treatment, Los Angeles, CA

Aquablation Therapy services offered in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA

If you’ve been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you could be a candidate for an innovative procedure called Aquablation®. This minimally invasive robotic surgery offers positive outcomes with less risk of side effects like sexual dysfunction. The team of board-certified urology experts at Comprehensive Urology has extensive experience performing Aquablation. To learn more, call the office in the Beverly Grove neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, or request a consultation online today.

Aquablation Therapy Q&A

What’s BPH?

Your prostate gland grows larger naturally as you age. When it enlarges enough to create pressure on your urinary tract, it can interfere with urination and the prostate is inflamed. If you have urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate, you have a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

BPH shares some symptom in common with Prostate Cancer however benign prostatic hyperlasia is NOT a tumor, and having the condition doesn’t increase your risk of prostate cancer.

Symptoms of BPH can include:

Difficulty urinating
Dribbling after urination
Urinary incontinence
Frequent urination

Left untreated, BPH can lead to more severe complications.

Aquablation Summary

Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using a high-pressured water jet.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and offers long-lasting relief with low rates of complications.
Aquablation is a promising treatment option for men with BPH who are not candidates for other minimally invasive procedures.

What’s Aquablation therapy?

Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in aging men that causes the prostate gland to enlarge, leading to urinary problems. During the procedure, a robotically controlled waterjet is used to remove excess prostate tissue, reducing the size of the gland and improving urinary flow.

Aquablation is a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgical methods, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy, which can cause significant side effects and complications. Unlike these procedures, Aquablation does not involve cutting or burning tissue, reducing the risk of bleeding, infection, and other complications.

The Aquablation procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform and can be done under local or general anesthesia. Patients usually go home the same day or the day after the procedure and can resume normal activities within a few days. The benefits of Aquablation can last for several years, providing long-term relief from BPH symptoms.

Overall, Aquablation is a safe and effective treatment option for men with BPH who are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods. With its low risk of side effects and complications, Aquablation can improve the quality of life for men suffering from urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.

What are the benefits of Aquablation therapy?

Aquablation offers good results for most patients with BPH. Those benefits include:

Tailored to individual patient anatomy
Low risk of sexual side effects
Less recovery time compared to more invasive procedures
As safe as older procedures that carry more risk of side effects

While any surgery involves some risk, the most common side effects of Aquablation, like pelvic discomfort, blood in your urine, and urinary urgency, are usually mild and disappear soon after the procedure.

If you’re a candidate for Aquablation, your Comprehensive Urology provider will inform you of all the risks and benefits of the procedure so you can make the decision that is best for your individual needs.

How does Aquablation work?

Aquablation is performed under general anesthesia by a urologist using a combination of real-time imaging, robotic technology, and a heat-free waterjet to remove excess tissue from your prostate gland.

Step 1: Mapping the Prostate

A procedural map of the prostate is created using a small camera (cytoscope) guided by ultrasound.

Step 2: Treating the Prostate

The surgical robot is preprogrammed with your customized treatment basses on your prostate map to precisely target your prostate tissue with intense pulses of room temperature water. The robot removes the excess prostate tissue to widen the urethra and improve its urine stream. The Aquablation procedure typically takes less than an hour.

After the Aquablation procedure, you might need to stay in the hospital overnight. You may have some burning during urination and some soreness in your rectum for a few days, but this is tolerable with mild pain medication. You’ll probably be able to resume normal activities within a week of your procedure. Learn more about Aquablation therapy near me today as it could be an alternative to Prostate Artery Embolization.

History of Aquablation

Aquablation therapy is a relatively new surgical procedure for men with lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It was developed by PROCEPT BioRobotics and combines real-time ultrasound imaging, computer-controlled heat-free water jet, and robotic assistance to enable efficient, precise removal of prostate tissue.

The Aquablation system was first introduced in 2016 and has since undergone several clinical trials and studies. The results of these trials have shown that Aquablation is a promising surgical strategy with a strong morbidity profile and reduced resection time.

In 2018, the FDA approved the use of Aquablation therapy for the treatment of BPH in the United States. Since then, the procedure has gained popularity among urologists and patients alike due to its minimally invasive nature and low complication rate.

Aquablation therapy has continued to evolve since its introduction, with new technological advances and approaches being developed to improve its effectiveness and safety. Today, Aquablation is considered a standard treatment option for BPH and is widely used in many countries around the world.

Overall, the history of Aquablation therapy is one of innovation and success, with the procedure proving to be a game changer in BPH treatment by enabling symptom relief with a low complication rate.

Aquablation Therapy Steps

1. Preparation: Before the Aquablation procedure, the patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are a suitable candidate. This evaluation will include a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging studies. The patient will also be advised to stop taking blood-thinning medications and to avoid eating or drinking anything for several hours before the procedure.

2. Execution: During the Aquablation procedure, the patient will be placed under anesthesia. The surgeon will then insert a small device through the urethra to access the prostate. The device will use a high-pressure water jet to precisely remove the excess prostate tissue that is causing urinary symptoms. The surgeon will use real-time imaging to guide the device and ensure that surrounding tissues are not damaged.

3. Post Aquablation Procedure: After the Aquablation procedure, the patient will be monitored for a short time to ensure there are no complications. The patient may experience some discomfort and urinary symptoms for a few days after the procedure, but these should gradually improve over time. The patient will need to avoid strenuous activity and sexual intercourse for several weeks after the procedure to allow the prostate to heal properly.

Aquablation procedure provides long-lasting relief without the risks of traditional surgical procedures.

Aquablation Therapy Steps

Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a robotic system to remove prostate tissue. Here are some of the benefits of this procedure:

Precision: Aquablation’s robotic technology combined with its high-definition imaging and surgical mapping helps to ensure that the prostate tissue is removed with precision. This means that the surrounding healthy tissue is left intact, reducing the risk of complications.
Shorter Operative Time: Compared to traditional transurethral procedures for BPH, Aquablation therapy has a shorter operative time. This means that patients can return to their normal activities sooner.
Fewer Long-term Complications: Patients experience fewer long-term complications after surgery, as they maintain erectile function and preserve urinary continence and ejaculatory function in most cases. This is because the procedure targets only the prostate tissue, leaving the surrounding nerves and structures intact.
Long-lasting Relief: Aquablation therapy delivers long-lasting relief of enlarged prostate symptoms without compromise. Patients experience significant improvement in their urinary symptoms, which can last for years.
Minimal Scarring: Since Aquablation is a minimally invasive procedure, it results in minimal scarring. This means that patients experience less pain and discomfort after surgery.

Aquablation Risks and Side Effects

Aquablation therapy is a relatively safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with this treatment.

According to Stanford Health Care, possible short-term side effects of Aquablation therapy include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, and urinary tract infections. In rare cases, patients may experience more serious complications such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation.

One study published in PubMed found that Aquablation has a lower risk of retrograde ejaculation compared to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which is another common treatment for BPH. However, the study also noted that Aquablation has a higher risk of bladder neck contracture, which can cause difficulty urinating.

It is important for patients to discuss the risks and potential complications of Aquablation therapy with their doctor before undergoing the procedure. Patients should also disclose any medical conditions or medications they are taking that may increase their risk of complications.

Aquablation VS Traditional Methods

Aquablation is a relatively new procedure for treating an enlarged prostate, and it is gaining popularity due to its benefits over traditional methods. Here’s a comparison of Aquablation with traditional methods.

Effectiveness: Aquablation has been shown to be at least as effective as traditional methods in treating an enlarged prostate. In a systematic review based on a single randomized controlled trial, Aquablation was found to have similar efficacy to traditional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in prostates 30-80 cc in size. However, Aquablation has a better safety profile and a lower risk of retrograde ejaculation, which is a common side effect of TURP.
Safety: The Aquablation procedure has a better safety profile than traditional methods. Unlike TURP, which uses heat to remove prostate tissue, Aquablation uses a heat-free waterjet to ablate the tissue. This reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, Aquablation has a lower risk of retrograde ejaculation, which is a common side effect of TURP. Some may also consider a Mini-TURP procedure on the advice of a urologist.
Recovery Time: Aquablation has a shorter recovery time than traditional methods. Traditional methods such as TURP require a longer hospital stay and a longer catheterization period. In contrast, Aquablation is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can return to normal activities within a week.

Compared to traditional BPH treatments, Aquablation is a safe and effective alternative to treating an enlarged prostate. It has a better safety profile, a lower risk of retrograde ejaculation, and a shorter recovery time.

Aquablation VS Rezum

Aquablation and Rezum are two minimally invasive surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate enlarges and obstructs urine flow. Aquablation uses waterjet energy to ablate prostate tissue while preserving the urethra. Rezum uses steam to reduce prostate volume by removing excess prostate cells. Both procedures aim to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH such as frequent/urgent urination, weak stream, and incomplete voiding of the bladder.

Clinical studies show Aquablation and Rezum have comparable improvements in symptom scores and urinary flow rates. However, Aquablation provides more immediate relief while Rezum results take longer. Aquablation has a lower risk of sexual side effects but requires postoperative catheterization. Rezum has minimal downtime but higher rates of difficult urination initially. Overall, Aquablation and Rezum are both viable and safe options for BPH treatment. Patients should consult with a board certified urologist to see which course of treatment would be best for you.

Future of Aquablation

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has long been considered the gold standard for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, new minimally invasive procedures like Aquablation aim to provide symptom relief while reducing side effects compared to TURP. TURP uses an electrosurgical loop to cut away excess prostate tissue piece by piece. Aquablation uses high-pressure water jets to ablate obstructing prostate tissue. This allows precise removal of the enlarged tissue causing urinary symptoms. Both procedures effectively widen the urethra for improved urine flow.

Clinical trials show aquablation and TURP produce comparable improvements in BPH symptoms and urinary flow rates. However, aquablation has a much lower risk of sexual dysfunction and avoids TURP’s risk of TUR syndrome. Aquablation also requires less postoperative catheterization. However, TURP can treat larger prostates that exceed aquablation size limitations.

Overall, aquablation offers a less invasive option to TURP with fewer side effects. Patients with small-to-moderate enlarged prostates are good candidates for aquablation. Those with very large prostates (over 150cc) may still require traditional TURP surgery. Consult a board certified urologist to find the best treatment option for you.

Future of Aquablation

Aquablation has shown promising results in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and has the potential to become a standard treatment option in the future. As new technologies continue to emerge, Aquablation is expected to evolve and improve, making it an even more effective treatment option for men with BPH.

One area of potential development is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Aquablation procedures. By using machine learning algorithms, AI could help improve the precision and accuracy of the treatment, leading to better outcomes for patients. Additionally, AI could help with surgical planning and decision-making, allowing surgeons to tailor the treatment to each individual patient’s needs.

Another area of development is the use of Aquablation in combination with other therapies. For example, Aquablation could be used in conjunction with medications or other minimally invasive procedures to provide even better symptom relief for patients with BPH.

As Aquablation continues to gain popularity and acceptance among urologists and patients, it is expected to become more widely available and accessible. This could lead to greater patient satisfaction and improved quality of life for men with BPH.

Overall, the future of Aquablation looks bright, with continued advancements and improvements expected to make it an even more effective and desirable treatment option for men with BPH.

FAQ's

What is the success rate of Aquablation for treating prostate issues?

Aquablation has been shown to have a high success rate in treating prostate issues. Clinical studies have reported that up to 90% of patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms after undergoing the procedure.

What are the potential side effects of Aquablation surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with Aquablation. Some of the most common side effects include urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating. However, serious complications are rare.

How does Aquablation compare to TURP for treating prostate issues?

Aquablation has been shown to be just as effective as TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) in treating prostate issues. However, Aquablation has a lower risk of complications and side effects, and may result in a shorter recovery time.

What is the duration of the Aquablation procedure for prostate treatment?

The length of the Aquablation procedure can vary depending on the size of the prostate and the extent of the surgery. However, most procedures take between 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete.

Can Aquablation be used to treat prostate cancer?

Aquablation is not typically used to treat prostate cancer. It is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.

What are the disadvantages of using Aquablation for prostate treatment?

One of the main disadvantages of using Aquablation for prostate treatment is that it may not be suitable for all patients. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or severe kidney disease, may not be good candidates for the procedure.

Who is not a good candidate for Aquablation?

Patients who have had previous prostate surgery, have a history of radiation therapy, or have a prostate larger than 150cc may not be good candidates for Aquablation. Additionally, patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders or severe kidney disease, may not be suitable for the procedure. Two pivotal FDA studies showed the efficacy of treating prostates ranging from 30-150cc with the Aquablation procedure. Please see a board certified urologist to learn more about which BPH treatment options would be best for you.

Kia Michel, MD

Written by Dr. Kia Michel, a board certified urologist, surgeon, and founding member of Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles. Dr. Michel's expertise includes focal therapy (HIFU/TULSA), prostate cancer treatment, robotic surgery, and male enhancement treatments such as Shockwave Therapy for ED and penile injections.

Dr. Michel's Bio

Aquablation

Aquablation Therapy services offered in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA

Table of Contents

Aquablation Therapy Q&A

What’s BPH?

Aquablation Summary

What’s Aquablation therapy?

What are the benefits of Aquablation therapy?

How does Aquablation work?

History of Aquablation

Aquablation Therapy Steps

Aquablation Therapy Steps

Aquablation Risks and Side Effects

Aquablation VS Traditional Methods

Aquablation VS Rezum

Future of Aquablation

Future of Aquablation

FAQ's

What is the success rate of Aquablation for treating prostate issues?

What are the potential side effects of Aquablation surgery?

How does Aquablation compare to TURP for treating prostate issues?

What is the duration of the Aquablation procedure for prostate treatment?

Can Aquablation be used to treat prostate cancer?

What are the disadvantages of using Aquablation for prostate treatment?

Who is not a good candidate for Aquablation?

Kia Michel, MD

COMPREHENSIVE UROLOGY

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