What is aquablation?
Aquablation (robotic hydroablation of the prostate) is one of the latest advances in minimally invasive techniques indicated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using ultrasound-guided water. It can be applied regardless of the patient’s age and prostate size.
The technology used in aquablation was designed by NASA who applied the high pressure of water as a laser to cut materials. From this idea, the aquablation technique was born.
What is it used for?
The treatment consists of the ablation of the prostatic adenoma by means of a jet of physiological serum at room temperature and applying high pressure. The process is guided by a robotic system using real-time ultrasound.
Thanks to the pressure of the water jet, the prostate tissue is destroyed.
What kind of preparation is required?
The process is very simple, but requires careful preparation by the surgeon who plans the intervention individually using images through a cystoscope and an ultrasound machine. The cystoscope and the ultrasound scanner are coupled to a robotic system which, by means of a pump, generates a high water pressure that allows acting on the prostatic tissue and eliminating the adenoma.
The process lasts between 15 and 40 minutes.
What are its advantages?
- High level of precision as it is performed under the control of a robotic system.
- Any prostate can be treated regardless of its size.
- The procedure is simple and does not require more than 40 minutes.
- Preserves the prostate capsule.
- Preserves ejaculation.
- Short recovery process.
- Reduces hospitalization time.
Care after surgery
After the operation the patient will be hospitalized and will be discharged after 24-48 hours. It is also possible that some discomfort may appear due to inflammation, but in any case they are transitory.
It should be noted that this procedure is not recommended for patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, as there is an increased risk of bleeding.
Treatment alternatives
The transurethral resection technique is another of the most widespread treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, this intervention has greater risks and complications for the patient despite being a minimally invasive technique.
In the surgery, the diseased tissue is removed through the urethral lumen by means of the resectoscope and the intervention involves a series of very specific aftercare procedures. The patient must wear a urinary catheter for 3 days and after this time, after a visit to the doctor, the patient will be able to resume his daily activities.
It should be noted that the patient who has undergone prostate surgery using this technique may suffer from urinary incontinence or loss of urine control after surgery.