If you’re experiencing the signs of an enlarged prostate, it helps to know what’s causing your symptoms so you can take the next step toward lasting relief. Our urology experts, Joshua Earl, MD, and Robert Badalament, MD, are here to help you understand more about what it means to have an enlarged prostate and walk you through a minimally invasive treatment option called Aquablation therapy.
What Is an Enlarged Prostate?
According to Dr. Earl, “An enlarged prostate is a common side effect of aging for many men. This change can begin around age 40, and by age 60, about 50% of men will experience it.”
While an enlarged prostate typically doesn’t cause major issues, some men may have trouble sleeping due to frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom. Other urinary problems, such as difficulty fully emptying the bladder, can also occur.
For moderate to severe cases, surgery or laser procedures to remove obstructive tissue are the traditional treatment options. Although effective, these methods carry risks, such as erectile dysfunction, due to the use of heat.
Dr. Earl explains, “One option to reduce risks is Aquablation therapy, a minimally invasive robotic technique that uses heat-free technology to precisely remove tissue without any physical incision.”
If you’re experiencing discomfort from an enlarged prostate, Drs. Earl and Badalament offer this innovative, incision-free procedure to relieve your discomfort from an enlarged prostate.
What Is BPH?
The prostate gland is the size of a ping-pong ball, which makes a fluid that forms part of semen. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder.
“The technical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. While it’s not cancerous, it can still cause issues,” says Dr. Earl.
Dr. Earl points out some of the complications that can arise from BPH, including:
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty urinating and a weak stream
- Dribbling of urine
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, rectum or upper thighs
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Need to urinate many times at night
“These symptoms could also indicate prostate cancer, so it’s important to get them evaluated. If cancer is ruled out, you may still need relief from your symptoms, and Aquablation can make a difference,” Dr. Earl states.
How Does Aquablation Therapy Work?
So, how does Aquablation work? Its name hints at the technique: it merges “aqua,” or water, with “ablation,” meaning tissue removal through surgery.
The procedure begins by creating a precise map of the treatment area using high-resolution ultrasound images. Aquablation is unique in that it’s the sole method allowing surgeons to have a complete view of the prostate throughout the treatment.
Using this customized map, your surgeon operates a robotic system to direct a waterjet to the targeted tissue.
The treatment is designed to match the individual size of each prostate. The entire procedure typically takes under an hour, and its minimal side effects make it a popular alternative to traditional surgery.
The robot operates autonomously once programmed, carrying out the treatment swiftly and precisely. The waterjet phase takes just about five minutes. The longest part of the process involves capturing images and determining which tissue(s) to remove. Each procedure varies depending on the prostate’s size and its position.
Aquablation is a suitable option for most men with enlarged prostates, though it’s not advised for men with prostate cancer or other bladder conditions.
Since Aquablation treatment is relatively new, it includes a one-night hospital stay for observation.
The Benefits of Aquablation Therapy
“When it comes to treating BPH, Aquablation has revolutionized patient outcomes,” says Dr. Badalament. “This minimally invasive procedure offers better sexual preservation than traditional surgical treatments, with lower rates of erectile side effects.”
Other benefits of Aquablation therapy include:
- Effective for prostates of all sizes
- Faster recovery time
- Higher precision
- Lasting symptom relief
- Minimally invasive approach with less scarring
Talk with your doctor to determine whether Aquablation therapy is right for you.
Helping You Return to Whole Health
While an enlarged prostate isn’t life-threatening, our focus on whole-person health means we prioritize quality-of-life concerns. Aquablation offers relief without the risks associated with traditional surgery.
Connect with us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Earl or Dr. Badalament today. You deserve to feel whole.
