Introduction
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a prostate that has grown to be larger than normal. BPH is not prostate cancer. As the prostate grows, it may constrict the urethra, making it difficult to urinate and/or apply pressure on the bladder, causing it to weaken and have difficulty emptying.
How BPH might impact you?
BPH may cause two kinds of symptoms that can impact your quality of life.
1. It may affect your ability to hold urine- causing you to search for restrooms throughout the day or disrupt your sleep schedule at night.
2. It may affect your ability to complete empty your bladder- causing you to strain or push when urinating or cause you to to have a weak or inconsistent stream.
What is AQUABLATION Therapy?
An advanced, minimally invasive treatment for BPH that uses imaging, robotics, and a heat-free waterjet to provide long-lasting relief with low rates of complications.
How does AQUABLATION Therapy work?
1. Patient Preparation
Preoperative Assessment: Prior to the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies and assessments to determine the prostate size and shape, as well as to ensure suitability for Aquablation.
Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under spinal or general anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout.
2. Prostate Mapping
Imaging: Using real-time imaging techniques, such as transrectal ultrasound, a detailed map of the prostate is created. This imaging helps in planning the treatment by providing precise information about the prostate’s size, shape, and location.
Robotic System Setup: The Aquablation system, which includes a robotic arm and a high-pressure saline delivery system, is prepared for use. The robotic system is programmed with the patient-specific data obtained from imaging.
3. Aquablation Procedure
Insertion of the Scope: A thin, flexible tube called a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra to visualize the prostate and guide the procedure.
Saline Delivery: A high-pressure stream of saline (saltwater) is delivered to the prostate through a specialized robotic device. The saline stream is precisely controlled and targeted, allowing for the removal of prostate tissue with high accuracy.
Tissue Removal: The stream of saline effectively ablates (removes) the excess prostate tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. The robotic system ensures that the removal is uniform and consistent, based on the preoperative mapping.
4. Completion and Postoperative Care
Post-Procedure Monitoring: After the procedure, the patient is monitored in a recovery area. A catheter may be placed temporarily to drain urine and allow the prostate to heal.
Recovery and Follow-Up: Patients generally experience a relatively quick recovery. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress, assess symptom relief, and ensure proper healing.
5. Outcomes and Benefits
Symptom Relief: Aquablation therapy is effective in alleviating common BPH symptoms such as urinary obstruction, frequent urination, and difficulty starting urination.
Reduced Side Effects: Compared to traditional surgical methods, Aquablation often results in fewer side effects and a faster return to normal activities due to its precision and minimally invasive nature.
What Results Can I Expect?
Clinical studies have shown that AQUABLATION therapy offers significant symptom relief and low rates of irreversible complications across prostates of all sizes and shapes.
16 Point IPSS improvement (BPH symptom score)
2x Improvement in flow of urine
10/10 Men preserve continence
10/10 Men preserve erections
9/10 Men preserve ejaculation
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