Aquablation® Therapy for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
Robotic, heat-free waterjet surgery that removes excess prostate tissue with precision to improve urine flow while protecting urinary control and sexual function.
Educational content only; not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your urologist.
1. What is Aquablation?
Aquablation® is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It combines robotic surgical precision with a high-velocity waterjet to remove the excess prostate tissue that blocks urine flow. Unlike traditional surgical methods, Aquablation uses no heat, helping preserve structures important for urinary control and sexual function.
2. Who is it for?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have moderate to severe urinary symptoms from BPH
- Have not improved enough with medications
- Want a treatment that may lower the risk of sexual side effects
- Have a larger prostate that may not be ideal for other minimally invasive procedures
3. Why Patients Choose Aquablation
- Precision + Robotics — Advanced imaging and robotic guidance target tissue exactly where needed
- Preserves Function — Designed to protect urinary control and sexual function
- Effective for Large Prostates — Works on a wider range of sizes than many alternatives
- Long-Lasting Relief — Clinical studies show symptom improvement lasts for years
4. How the Procedure Works
- Planning with Imaging — Real-time ultrasound maps your prostate in detail
- Robotic Guidance — The robotic system precisely aims the waterjet
- No Heat Energy — Water removes tissue naturally, without burning or cutting
- Final Check — Surgeon verifies an open urine channel before finishing
5. Hospital Stay & Recovery
- Where it’s done: Hospital, under anesthesia
- Hospital stay: Overnight observation for safety and monitoring
- Foley catheter: Typically 5–7 days after surgery
- Discharge: Go home with the catheter; removal at follow-up
6. What to Expect After Surgery
- Temporary effects: mild burning, blood in urine, urgency (several weeks)
- Activity: light activity encouraged
- Avoid heavy lifting / strenuous exercise for 2–4 weeks
- Return to work: often 1–2 weeks, depending on your job
7. Risks and Considerations
- Temporary difficulty urinating after catheter removal
- Urinary tract infection
- Bleeding (rarely requiring further treatment)
- Retrograde ejaculation (semen enters the bladder) — generally lower rates than many other procedures
8. Benefits Compared to Other BPH Surgeries
TURP
Uses heat and may have higher rates of sexual side effects.
Laser Procedures
Use heat, which may cause more irritation.
UroLift®
Does not remove tissue and may not be effective for large prostates.
Aquablation®
Combines the tissue-removal effectiveness of surgery with a heat-free approach to help reduce risks to urinary control and sexual function.
9. Follow-Up and Results
- Relief often noticeable within weeks; continues to improve over months
- Significant improvement in urinary flow and fewer nighttime bathroom trips
- Progress monitored with follow-up visits and symptom questionnaires
10. Your Next Step
If urinary problems from an enlarged prostate are affecting your life, the BPH specialists at Advanced Urology can determine if Aquablation is right for you. We’ll review your prostate size, urinary symptoms, and overall health to create a personalized treatment plan.