Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. Though BPH isn’t cancer, it can still have a real impact. BPH affects how you urinate in two main ways:

1. Voiding symptoms

These symptoms occur when an enlarged prostate interferes with urine flow, and can include:

• A weak or slow stream
• Straining
• Trouble starting
• Stopping and starting mid-stream
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Feeling like your bladder didn’t empty completely

2. Storage symptoms

These symptoms are related to how the bladder holds or releases urine, and may involve:

• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Sudden urges
• Nighttime bathroom trips
• Leaking due to urgency

Typically, interventions such as lifestyle changes or medications are the first options for relief. However, if they do not work, Aquablation therapy may be the answer.

Aquablation is a robot-assisted procedure that removes excess prostate tissue without using scalpels, heat, or lasers. The prostate is accessed through the urethra, so no external incisions are required. The procedure uses a high-speed water jet in combination with real-time imaging to target only the excess tissue.

Since it avoids heat, Aquablation has the potential to preserve surrounding nerves and tissues. This reduces the risk of side effects such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction.

You might want to consider Aquablation if you:

• Have tried medications for BPH, but they haven’t given you sufficient relief
• Are looking for a surgical solution, but are concerned about long-term side effects
• Have a larger prostate that makes other minimally invasive procedures more difficult
• Prioritize a treatment that balances strong symptom relief with a strong safety profile

Aquablation is performed under anesthesia and usually takes less than an hour.

Your surgeon will use ultrasound imaging and a thin tube with a camera inserted through the urethra to visualize the prostate in real-time.

The robotic system directs a pressurized water jet to remove only the obstructive prostate tissue. Any bleeding is addressed with minimal cautery.

Once the procedure is done, a urinary catheter will help your bladder drain while your urethra begins to heal. Some men stay overnight in the hospital, while others go home the same day. Catheter removal is typically within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the extent of swelling or if additional time is needed for healing.

As healing begins, it’s common to experience mild burning during urination or some urinary urgency. These symptoms are typically temporary and manageable with mild pain control.

Your doctor will guide you on when it’s safe to return to everyday activities.

In general, there is less risk of sexual side effects when compared to heat-based procedures. There is also a lower likelihood of urinary incontinence.

Aquablation can offer effective relief from BPH symptoms in patients with both moderate and large prostate sizes. Symptom improvement typically lasts 3 to 5 years or longer, which is longer than with some other procedures.

1. How long does recovery usually take?

Most men notice steady improvement in their symptoms over the first few weeks after Aquablation, with side effects fading as healing progresses. By four to six weeks, many men are back to their normal routines. However, your urologist will guide you on when to resume specific activities such as exercise or sexual activity.

2. Can Aquablation be repeated if symptoms come back?

Yes. While Aquablation provides relief for most men, the prostate can continue to grow with age. If symptoms return years later, you can have Aquablation again or consider another procedure. This flexibility is one reason many men choose it as an option.

3. Does Medicare cover Aquablation?

Yes, Medicare generally covers Aquablation. Coverage depends on your prostate volume (currently 30 to 150 cubic centimeters) and other health markers.