Water therapy versus surgical removal to treat an enlarged prostate

This study compared the safety and effectiveness of aquablation versus transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP – surgical removal of prostate tissue) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – an enlarged prostate). The study concluded that aquablation was similar in safety and effectiveness when compared to TURP.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a very common condition that mostly affects men as they age. It can cause difficult bladder and urinary symptoms. Aquablation is the use of a forceful water stream to remove excess prostate tissue. TURP is a common surgical procedure to remove prostate tissue. It is not clear whether these treatments are similarly effective.

181 patients with moderate to severe BPH symptoms were included in this study. Patients underwent either TURP (65 patients) or aquablation (116 patients). The study measured effectiveness by a reduction in symptoms at 6 months and safety by measuring the surgical complications.

At 6 months, patients in both groups experienced a similar improvement in prostate and urinary symptoms. 26% of patients who underwent aquablation experienced a side effect from the surgery compared to 42% of TURP. These complications included pain, bleeding infection and difficulty with urination.

Problems with ejaculation after surgery were less common with aquablation (10%) than with TURP (36%). Larger prostates had a greater benefit with aquablation.

The study concluded that aquablation was similar in safety and effectiveness when compared to TURP.

This study would benefit from a longer follow-up to fully measure safety and effectiveness.