Aquablation: Help for a common male problem

A groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment known as Aquablation is bringing relief to many men with a common condition known as enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). St. Mary Medical Center was the first, and currently only hospital in Bucks County, to offer this treatment.

Symptoms of enlarged prostate

A normal prostate gland is approximately the size of a walnut or golf ball. But for a man with BPH, it can grow as large as an orange and cause physical discomfort, reduced ability to urinate and embarrassing sexual function challenges.

Although BPH is not linked to cancer, it can trigger lower urinary tract symptoms, and if not treated can lead to serious health problems—including permanent bladder or kidney damage.

BPH is quite common. According to the Urology Care Foundation, about half of all men aged 51 to 60, and up to 90% of males over 80, have it.

Why consider Aquablation?

Aquablation therapy can reduce BPH symptoms while boosting overall quality of life for many patients, says Justin Harmon, DO, chair of the Division of Urology and director of robotics at St. Mary.

“It’s basically used to treat the benign enlarged prostate, usually in patients who have first tried medications but not gotten relief,” he says. “The key thing that’s important to many patients is that Aquablation also preserves sexual function. Several other BPH procedures are available that remove excess tissue in the prostate, but Aquablation is the only one that doesn’t negatively impact male sexual functioning.”

How it works

Aquablation uses a heat-free jet of water to ablate, or remove, excess prostate tissue through the urethra,” Dr. Harmon explains. The procedure also utilizes an FDA-cleared robotic instrument to guide the process.

“Then a tiny camera called a cystoscope is inserted. It allows us to see inside the prostate and remove any remaining excess tissue that could be causing discomfort or blockage,” he says. Additionally, the St. Mary medical team relies on ultrasound imaging of the prostate throughout the procedure to provide precise results and further reduce risk of complications.

Aquablation therapy usually takes about an hour and is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. Most men with BPH are candidates, “and since it’s minimally invasive, with no incisions, you can get back on your feet sooner,” Dr. Harmon says.

A viable option for many males

“With traditional procedures, it can be a tradeoff, because the patient may be getting symptom relief, but may also face irreversible side effects,” Dr. Harmon says. “It’s important that men know they do have several options for BPH treatment. Aquablation can be a good choice for many of them.”

Learn more about St. Mary Comprehensive Urologic Specialists.