This study examined the effects of aquablation, a new procedure to treat urinary symptoms due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Researchers reported significantly improved urinary symptoms with few treatment-related side effects following aquablation.

BPH can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms that impact quality of life. Surgery is often required to remove the enlarged prostate tissue. However, many first-line surgical procedures are associated with a number of side effects. Aquablation has been recently developed as a less invasive alternative to treat BPH symptoms. It uses water vapor delivered by a small needle to destroy prostate cells. This decreases blockages and improves the flow of urine. More trials are needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of aquablation.

The aim of this study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of aquablation for men with BPH.

21 men with moderate-to-severe urinary symptoms due to BPH were included in this study. All men were treated with aquablation and followed for 1 year. The aquablation procedure was guided by ultrasound images and assisted by robotic equipment.

The average procedure time was 38 minutes. 19 of the 21 men were discharged from hospital the day after the procedure. Catheterization (flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine) lasted only 1 day for 20 of the 21 men.

No complications occurred during the procedure. 6 men experienced at least one side effect after the procedure. Side effects included blood in the urine, local bruising, and urinary tract infections. Most were considered mild. Of the 11 men who were sexually active before the procedure, none reported reduced erectile or sexual function after aquablation.

The average prostate size before the procedure was 57.2 ml. This was reduced significantly after aquablation (35 ml). Urinary symptoms were significantly reduced at 1 month and remained improved at 1 year. This included improved urinary flow, stronger urine stream, and more complete bladder emptying. Patients also reported significantly improved quality of life at 1 year follow-up.

Researchers concluded that aquablation is a safe and effective treatment option to reduce urinary symptoms due to BPH.

Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.