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Posted by on Jul 15, 2018 in Benign prostatic hyperplasia | 0 comments

In a nutshell

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.

Some background

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.

Methods & findings

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 bottom line

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

The fine print

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

Published By :

Journal of Urology

Date :

Jan 19, 2018

Original Title :

WATER – A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial of Aquablation vs. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

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