Aquablation, is it better than TURP for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

This study compared Aquablation and TURP as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treatments in men. It concluded that Aquablation could improve symptoms in larger prostates (more than 50g) with less side effects than TURP.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can affect bladder function and have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments for BPH may include medication or surgery. Medications for BPH often result in many side effects while surgery can lead to complications.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgery used to treat BPH. TURP involves removing some excess prostate tissue to reduce pressure on the urethra (tube which carries urine from the bladder to outside the body). With very large prostates, TURP carries an increased risk of side effects, such as bleeding or sexual dysfunction.

Aquablation removes enlarged prostate tissue using a strong jet of water which allows for a very accurate removal of prostate tissue. This reduces the risk of complications.

This study included 184 men with BPH. These men were randomly assigned to have either TURP or Aquablation treatment. Prostate symptom scores were measured at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment.

At the beginning of the study, prostate symptom scores were similar between the TURP and Aquablation groups. Men with larger prostates (more than 50g) who had Aquablation, had prostate symptoms scores reduce by 4 points more than TURP treated patients. Men with middle lobe obstructions (enlarged glands which can press on the bladder or urethra) treated with Aquablation had more improved prostate symptom scores at 6 months than with TURP.

Anejaculation (inability to ejaculate) was 2% in men with larger prostates who were treated with Aquablation. 41% of TURP treated men showed sexual dysfunction. Other side effects requiring treatment occurred in 19% of Aquablation treated patients and 29% of TURP treated patients.

The study concluded that Aquablation improved prostate symptoms scores more than TURP in men with larger prostates. It also showed reduced side effects than TURP.

The authors note that Aquablation did not relieve symptoms in men with smaller prostates. They also note that participant numbers were small, which will affect data.

If you are interested in learning more about possible BPH treatment with Aquablation, contact your doctor.