Urology, Robotic Surgery and Urologic Oncology
JEANNIE SU, M.D.
Aquablation Therapy:
Surgical Treatment for BPH
(enlarged prostate)
Aquablation therapy is the only real-time, ultrasound-guided, robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet for the treatment of BPH. Dr Jeannie Su is proud to offer this advanced, minimally invasive treatment. in the Los Angeles and Santa Monica area. Using a heat-free waterjet controlled by robotic-assisted technology, this one-of-a-kind procedure can be performed on prostates of any shape and size to deliver durable, long-lasting relief with low rates of irreversible side effects.
How does Aquablation Therapy work?
Aquablation therapy is a resective procedure, which means that the prostate tissue causing symptoms is surgically removed. No incision is made in the abdomen, as the prostate is reached through the urethra.
Aquablation therapy is performed in a hospital. You will be under anesthesia for the entire procedure. The procedure typically takes an hour and may involve an overnight stay.
2 key steps to Aquablation therapy procedure:
Step 1:
Surgical planning
Every prostate is unique in size and shape. Aquablation therapy enables Dr Su to customize your procedure to your specific anatomy.
How?
Aquablation therapy is the only BPH surgical procedure that integrates ultrasound imaging with the standard camera (called a cystoscope). With the help of ultrasound imaging, doctors can create a detailed guide to plan the procedure, outlining the specific areas of the prostate that need removal. The tissue within the marked area of the prostate may be removed, while the tissue outside of it may remain untouched. This real-time visualization allows Dr Su to map which parts of your prostate to remove and which parts to avoid, specifically enabling her to avoid removing areas that could cause irreversible complications like erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and incontinence.
Step 2:
Prostate Tissue Removal
Once Dr Su has created a surgical map, a robotic-assisted system follows the surgical plan and resects the targeted prostate tissue using a heat-free waterjet. This advanced technology helps ensure precise, consistent, and predictable removal of the tissue. When required, Dr Su may use a minimal amount of cautery following an Aquablation procedure to control bleeding.
What are the side effects of Aquablation Therapy?
We know that the primary reason men are delaying surgery is because they are concerned about side effects (4). In fact, a recent survey shows that 85% of men are concerned that surgery will cause incontinence, and 4 out of 5 men are concerned that surgery will have a permanent impact on their sexual function (4).
In clinical studies, men who had Aquablation therapy had a very low rate of irreversible complications, such as incontinence, ejaculatory dysfunction, erectile dysfunction (3).
Is Aquablation Therapy right for you?
Aquablation therapy is a different kind of surgical procedure. There are many reasons it may be right for you, but make sure to discuss with Dr. Su to see if you’re a candidate.
1. Low Rates of Irreversible Complications
Aquablation therapy has very low rates of irreversible complications (incontinence, ejaculatory dysfunction, erectile dysfunction) because (1,2):
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It is the only procedure that gives surgeons the ability to view the entire prostate so they can create a map that avoids the parts of the prostate that cause irreversible complications.
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It is the only procedure that uses a heat-free waterjet to remove prostate tissue. Technologies that use heat to remove prostate tissue may be damaging to the parts of the prostate that control erectile function and ejaculatory function. It should be noted that surgeons may use a minimal amount of cautery following an Aquablation therapy procedure to control bleeding.
2. Confidence in Procedure
Aquablation therapy is the only procedure that resects prostate tissue with a robotically controlled waterjet, designed to minimize human error.
3. Long-Term Relief
In clinical studies, Aquablation therapy has been shown to provide long-term relief at 5 years (1,2).
4. Exceptional results vs TURP
When compared with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), Aquablation therapy demonstrated (5):
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Showed similar symptom relief
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Lower complication rate
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Fewer retreatments
5. Exceptional efficacy
Aquablation therapy patients on average experienced (1-3):
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16-point improvement in International Prostate Symptom Score
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3.3 -point improvement in quality of life
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2x improvement in urinary flow rate
Aquablation Therapy Recovery
As with most benign prostatic hyperplasia procedures, you will wake up with a catheter following Aquablation therapy, which allows you to urinate while your urethra heals. The procedure may involve an overnight stay in the hospital. The benefit with Aquablation therapy is that most patients end up leaving the hospital without a catheter.1,2,4
Once you’re home, you may notice for several weeks a mild burning sensation and urinary urgency, a sudden and intense need to urinate that is difficult to hold off. This can be managed with mild pain medication. Patients can resume their normal activities once approved by their doctor.
Please refer to the discharge instructions after surgery.
FINE PRINT
Risk and Safety Information https://aquablation.com/safety-information/
REFERENCES
1.Gilling PJ et al. Five-year outcomes for Aquablation therapy compared to TURP: results from a double-blind, randomized trial in men with LUTS due to BPH. Can J Urol. 2022 Feb;29(1):10960-10968.
2.Bhojani N, et al. Aquablation Therapy in Large Prostates (80-150 mL) for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Final WATER II 5-Year Clinical Trial Results. J Urol. 2023;210(1):143-153.
3.Elterman D, et al. BMJ Surg Interv Health Technol. 2021
4.Data on file at PROCEPT BioRobotics.
5. Oumedjbeur K, et al. Can J Urol. 2023.
CONTACT US
For more information, call us to make an appointment.
Clinic Locations
Providence St John (Friday)
2121 Santa Monica Blvd, Garden Level
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Comprehensive Urology (Tues/Thurs)
8631 W 3rd St #1115E
Los Angeles CA 90048