Avon Park man receives innovative, non-invasive prostate treatment now available in Highlands County

When Marc Marasigan went to the Emergency Department at AdventHealth Sebring, he thought he was dealing with a stubborn fever and some back pain. Instead, that visit uncovered a kidney stone and a hidden prostate condition that led him to a leading-edge treatment.

“I thought it was just something that was going to pass, but it had been like four days and I still wasn’t feeling right,” Marasigan said. “They discovered I had a kidney stone that was blocking the tube coming from the kidney and it was too large to pass, so they needed to go in to break it up.”

It was during that visit that he met Dr. Ronald Chee-Awai, a urologist who serves patients at AdventHealth Sebring and AdventHealth Lake Placid. After performing a cystoscopy to deal with the kidney stone, Marasigan said Dr. Chee-Awai discovered another condition that had been causing some issues, an enlarged prostate also known as Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the most common prostate problem among men.

Marasigan said Dr. Chee-Awai suggested he undergo Aquablation therapy. This minimally invasive robotic approach uses heat-free technology to remove a precise amount of tissue using room temperature water, with no physical incision required. It also allows surgeons to create a personalized treatment plan that precisely targets which prostate tissue to remove while safeguarding critical anatomy.

“I’m 100% glad I did it,” Marasigan said. “Since the procedure, I haven’t had any problems. I’m able to sleep at night without getting up three to four times a night and I’m able to empty my bladder and not feel like I still have to go when I’m done.”

With BPH, some men may experience sleep disruptions due to the need to use the bathroom frequently at night. They may also experience other urinary problems, including the inability to empty their bladder fully. Without timely treatment, BPH can lead to severe health issues such as permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.

Marasigan, who has been working as an occupational therapist at AdventHealth in the Heartland for 15 years, said he was thankful that Dr. Chee-Awai would take the time to explain every step in his treatment and was very easy to connect with about any questions.

“When I’d send him messages, he responded quickly, often within the same day,” Marasigan said. “I’ve recommended him to others who are dealing with prostate issues. I’ve also had a couple people approach me about aquablation and I’m glad that I’ve been able to tell them about it and share firsthand how it’s helped me.”

He also praised the hospital staff for reassuring him when he was nervous about having a procedure done in such a sensitive area.

“I never had to go through that kind of experience or procedure before, but what was nice was that the nurses in the pre-op and recovery areas were great. Everyone treated me really well and I felt really comfortable,” Marasigan said.

Now he’s encouraging other men approaching 50, like he was, or those who are older, to prioritize their prostate health.

“I have a lot of friends my age who are putting it off, but I didn’t think I would ever have this kind of issue,” he said. “I run triathlons, I work out and I’m pretty active, so it was hard to imagine this kind of thing would happen to me. I personally recommend getting checked because I wouldn’t have considered it if not for the kidney stone.”

According to the American Cancer Society, men should have their first prostate exam by 50, but if you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should consider having your first exam at age 45.

“Regular prostate evaluations are one of the most effective tools we have for protecting men’s health,” Dr. Chee-Awai said. “Prostate cancer often develops silently, without symptoms, but when detected early, it’s highly treatable. These screenings can save lives by catching cancer and other conditions before they become serious. It’s a simple step that can make a life-changing difference.”

You can learn about aquablation and other urological care available through AdventHealth’s network of care at Sebring, Lake Placid and Wauchula by going to Urology Care | AdventHealth Sebring.