Aquablation®: A New Way to Treat Enlarged Prostate at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital

As men age, it’s normal for the prostate to get bigger. But trouble urinating, or going frequently or urgently, is not a normal part of aging. If you have these symptoms, it may be time to explore treatment options.

Patients in Erie have access to a range of minimally invasive treatment options that relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, including Aquablation. In fact, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital is the first SRC accredited Center of Excellence in Urology in Pennsylvania. 

What causes an enlarged prostate?

The exact cause of an enlarged prostate — also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — is often unknown. However, factors like aging, hormonal changes, and genetics may play a role.

If you’re age 40 or older, or have a family history of enlarged prostate problems, you may be more likely to develop BPH.

If the prostate becomes too enlarged, it can put pressure on the bladder and make it difficult to urinate. Some common symptoms of BPH include:

• Needing to urinate often and suddenly.
• Feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bladder after going to the bathroom.
• Having a weak urine stream.

What is Aquablation?

Aquablation is a minimally invasive prostate surgery used to treat BPH. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to complete. Here’s how it works:

• After you receive anesthesia, doctors take ultrasound images of your prostate.
• A thin instrument with a strong water jet is inserted into the urethra, the tube you use to pee.
• The water jet sprays a strong stream that removes excess tissue from the prostate.

Unlike traditional prostate surgery, Aquablation doesn’t leave any cuts on the outside of the body. It is also designed to lower the risk of side effects like sexual dysfunction and urine leakage, which are common concerns for many men considering prostate surgery.

“This small procedure has a big impact on the lives of men experiencing BPH,” said Mohammed Al-Areef, MD, urologist at Saint Vincent. “Not only does it help to relieve symptoms, but it allows patients to feel more comfortable in their daily lives.”

Is Aquablation right for you?

If other treatments or medications haven’t helped with management of BPH symptoms, it may be time to explore Aquablation.

To see if this therapy is right for you, your AHN urologist will use a small camera tube to look inside your urethra, bladder, and prostate. Based on what they see, you may begin discussing next steps for Aquablation. see, you may begin discussing next steps for Aquablation.

Preparing for a smooth surgery and recovery

To prepare for Aquablation, your urologist will have you do an enema the night before or morning of surgery. This will clean out your bowel with a liquid solution, helping give the surgery team a clear view of your prostate.

Aquablation recovery time can vary, but you’ll typically spend just one night in the hospital. You’ll have a catheter, a thin tube inserted in your bladder, which is typically removed before you go home the next day. 

What to expect after Aquablation

After the procedure, most people notice an immediate improvement in urination. 

“I had a patient who used a catheter for two to three years,” said Dr. Al-Areef. “After Aquablation, he didn’t need it anymore.” 

Erections are typically not affected, and ejaculation is usually preserved.

“Patients don’t want to sacrifice sexual function just to improve urinary flow,” Dr. Al-Areef said. “Aquablation helps solve that problem.”

Some patients may experience bleeding during recovery. Your urologist will follow up with you four to six weeks after surgery to see how you’re doing and talk about how to address possible bleeding while you recover.

Other enlarged prostate treatment options

Aquablation isn’t for everyone. Saint Vincent also offers other enlarged prostate treatment options, including:

• TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) – A surgeon uses a small, specialized scope to see and trim away extra prostate tissue that’s blocking urine flow.
• PVP (photoselective vaporization of the prostate) – A surgeon uses a laser to burn away extra prostate tissue.
• Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy – A surgeon uses steam to shrink prostate tissue over time.
• UroLift™ – A surgeon places small, permanent implants in your prostate tissue to lift it out of the way.

Take care of your prostate health

Don’t let urinary problems get in the way of living your life. AHN Saint Vincent Allied Urology is here to discuss your concerns and find the best prostate surgery option for you.

Call 814-452-4214 to schedule an appointment or learn more about urology services at AHN Saint Vincent Hospital.