In a nutshell
This study compared using water jet therapy or prostate removal surgery in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It concluded that 1 year after the procedures, BPH symptoms were similar. It also concluded that complications were similar between the two procedures.
Some background
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can affect bladder function. It cal also 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. Aquablation is another option. It works by using a jet of heated water to remove the excess tissue. It still requires more research.
Methods & findings
177 men with BPH were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group 1 received prostate removal surgery. Group 2 received the water jet procedure. Patients were assessed for improvement in prostate and urinary symptoms. Patients were also monitored for complications.
There was similar improvement in prostate symptoms at 12 months after treatment. Prostate symptoms improved by 67%. Patient quality of life also improved. The speed of urine flow out of the body also improved significantly in both groups. The improvement in the groups were similar. At 1 year after the procedures, the number of patients taking medication for BPH was also reduced. At 3 months after surgery, 42% of group 1 and 26% of group 2 had complications. The level of complications was similar between groups at 12 months after the procedures. 1.5% of group 1 and 2.6% of group 2 had more surgery to treat BPH.
The bottom line
This study concluded that prostate removal surgery and water jet therapy were both effective in the treatment of BPH. Both treatments were also safe.
The fine print
The authors note that this study did not include any patients with a very large prostate.
What’s next?
If you are interested in learning more about water jet therapy for BPH, contact your doctor.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Dec 12, 2018
