Incision-free prostate treatment now offered at AdventHealth Waterman

Men now have access to a new way to treat prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate without surgery or radiation, a development that could reduce side effects and shorten recovery time.

AdventHealth Waterman has begun offering the TULSA procedure, which uses MRI guidance and directional ultrasound to target prostate tissue. It is the first hospital in AdventHealth to perform the procedure.

For many men, prostate care has long involved difficult trade-offs. Surgery and radiation can be effective, but they often carry risks that affect bladder control or sexual function and may require extended recovery. The new procedure adds another option for patients seeking more targeted care.

“Men often come to us worried not just about treating the disease, but about what life looks like afterward,” said Dr. Michael Fountain, a urologist at AdventHealth Waterman. “This allows us to focus treatment where it’s needed while being mindful of quality of life.”

The TULSA procedure uses targeted ultrasound energy to treat prostate tissue without incisions. It is performed inside an MRI scanner, allowing doctors to guide treatment in real time while protecting surrounding areas.

Because it does not involve incisions, most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities sooner than they would after traditional treatment.

It may be an option for men with early-stage prostate cancer, those who want to avoid radiation, or those experiencing urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate that interfere with sleep, work or daily routines.

Prostate conditions become more common with age. Community health data show more than a quarter of Lake County residents are age 65 or older, a group more likely to need ongoing prostate care. Access to specialty care has also been identified as a challenge for many residents, particularly as the region’s population continues to age.

The addition of TULSA builds on other recent advances in urology care at AdventHealth Waterman. Last year, the hospital introduced Aquablation therapy for men with an enlarged prostate. Together, these options can help reduce delays in care and limit the need for long-distance travel.

“When we’re able to offer a range of options here, it means people don’t have to leave their community to get care that fits their situation,” Fountain said. “Staying close to home and close to support can make a real difference during treatment and recovery.”