Aquablation^®: Advanced treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also referred to as an enlarged prostate, is a condition that commonly happens to men as they get older. An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder, leading to bothersome symptoms like frequent or urgent urination, a weak urine stream, and the sensation of not fully emptying the bladder.

AHN was the first provider in western Pennsylvania to offer Aquablation therapy^*, a gentle, robot-assisted procedure that can give you long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms.

What is the Aquablation procedure?

Aquablation is designed to give you the best possible relief from your symptoms with a very low risk of permanent complications, and it works well for a variety of prostate sizes and shapes.Our skilled urologists perform Aquablation using a special robotic system called AquaBeam. This system uses real-time images and a cool waterjet to precisely remove the extra prostate tissue. Unlike traditional surgery, Aquablation does not involve any incisions or heat. This helps protect surrounding important structures that control sexual and urinary function.

When is Aquablation recommended and why?

Aquablation is recommended for men whose BPH symptoms haven't improved with other treatments or medications. The precision of the robotic system directly targets the enlarged tissue while minimizing potential damage to other important structures, which helps preserve sexual function and bladder control. After the procedure, you'll see significant and lasting improvements in urinary flow and other symptoms.

Frequently asked questions about Aquablation 

What happens before the Aquablation procedure?

Before your Aquablation procedure, your AHN urologist will take a careful look at your condition to make sure it's the best option for you. This often involves:

• Talking about your symptoms and medical history.
• A physical exam.Simple urine and blood tests, if needed.
• A cystoscopy. This is an in-office procedure where your urologist uses a tiny, flexible camera to gently look inside your prostate to decide if aquablation is the right treatment for you. During the procedure, you'll get medication to make sure you are comfortable and pain-free. 

How long does Aquablation surgery last?

The Aquablation procedure usually takes around 45 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, your surgeon uses ultrasound images to create a detailed, digital map of your prostate. This allows your surgeon to find exactly where the excess prostate tissue is. Then, a robotically controlled, heat-free waterjet removes the targeted tissue, while carefully avoiding areas that are important for erections and ejaculation. 

How long does it take to fully recover from Aquablation?

You'll typically spend just one night in the hospital after the Aquablation procedure, with a temporary catheter to help drain urine while your prostate heals. Many patients experience an immediate improvement in urination, while mild burning or irritation during urination is normal for the first one to two weeks.

Most men can resume light activities within a few days and make a full recovery and return to normal activities within three to four weeks. Most importantly, aquablation has no effect on erections, orgasm, or libido. Some men may experience decreased force or loss of ejaculation as a side effect of Aquablation. Your urologist will schedule a follow-up appointment four to six weeks after surgery to check on your recovery and make sure everything is healing as expected.

Benefits of choosing AHN for your Aquablation procedure

Here's why you should choose AHN for your Aquablation treatment:

• Experienced specialists: The urologists at AHN are highly experienced in treating a comprehensive range of urological conditions including BPH with minimally invasive techniques like Aquablation.
• Cutting-edge technology: AHN was the first provider in western Pennsylvania to use the AquaBeam Robotic System for precise and effective Aquablation therapy^**.
• Focus on minimally invasive options: We prioritize minimally invasive treatment options, which often lead to less pain, reduced blood loss, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
• Patient-centered care: Our team is dedicated to working with you to find the best treatment plan for your specific situation, ensuring you receive personalized care and support throughout your treatment. We offer Aquablation to not only relieve your BPH symptoms but also to preserve your sexual function and bladder control, which contribute to a better overall quality of life.

Making an appointment

You don't have to live with the disruptive symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Learn more about how AHN's urology team can help you feel better and live more comfortably with Aquablation therapy.

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or schedule online with AHN urology.