Aquablation experience in the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction.

This study explored the use of aquablation for the removal of prostate tissue in patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). The results confirmed the safe and effective use of aquablation as an intervention for BPO.

BPO involves the increase of the prostate gland that blocks urine flow out of the bladder. This results in urinary symptoms such as difficulty initiating urination, a weak stream of urine, and an inability to fully empty the bladder. Treatment usually involves a surgical procedure to remove excess prostate tissue that blocks urine flow.

Aquablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses high-velocity pressurized saline for the removal of the excess soft tissue of the prostate. The safety and effectiveness of aquablation have been previously shown to be similar to another surgical intervention, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). TURP is considered the standard procedure for BPO. However, TURP is often associated with poor surgical complications such as bleeding and a need for transfusions. The surgical outcomes of aquablation are not well known.

This study included 59 patients with BPO who underwent aquablation. Complications of the procedure were monitored for 3 months.

59.3% of patients received cauterization (the coagulation of blood using an electric device). There was a significant decrease in red blood cells. The average time with a catheter (a thin tube that passes urine out) was 2.1 days and the average hospital stay was 2.2 days.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate gland that increases in BPO. The average reduction in PSA levels was by 36.6% at 3 months.

The overall rate of side effects was 22%. Most of these were mild and included urinary infections and urinary retention.

The study confirmed improvements in urine voiding and a decrease in surgical complications associated with the aquablation procedure.

In this study, patients who underwent ablation were from a single medical institution. There was no direct comparison between surgical techniques. 

Ask your doctor if aquablation is suitable in your situation.