In a nutshell
This study is looking at using a water jet to remove excess prostate tissue in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and improve urinary symptoms. It concluded that water jet therapy is safe and effective in BPH treatment.
Some background
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can cause urinary symptoms. It can have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments for BPH may include medication or surgery. Medications may not help BPH symptoms. Some men may then decide they want a procedure.
Surgery is generally performed by removing excess prostate tissue. This surgery can lead to other complications. It can also be invasive. There are other less invasive procedures. Water jet therapy is another option. It works by using a jet of heated water to remove the excess tissue. It still requires more research.
Methods & findings
101 men with BPH were included in this study. These men had water jet therapy. Patients had visits at the beginning of the study, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. Patients were assessed with questionnaires. Questionnaires looked at urinary symptoms, pain, recovery quality, erectile function and sexual health.
Urinary symptoms improved. Quality of life decreased. Prostate volumes decreased by 42%. 16 patients who entered the study using a catheter were able to stop using catheters after the procedure. 45.5% of men experienced side effects at 3 months after surgery. These include ejaculatory dysfunction, incontinence and erectile dysfunction. 81% of patients maintained normal ejaculations. Urinary symptoms occurred at 6 months. One patient had an artificial urinary sphincter fit for persistent stress incontinence. Bleeding occurred in 2 patients. One patient had a stroke, the cause of this was undetermined. One patient had a heart attack. One patient had a heart block.
The bottom line
This study concluded that water jet therapy is safe and effective in treating BPH.
The fine print
The authors note that there was no group to compare the treatment to.
What’s next?
To learn more about water jet therapy in BPH treatment, talk to your doctor.
Published By :
BJU international
Date :
Feb 08, 2019
