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Millions of men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), more commonly called an enlarged prostate. If left untreated, it may lead to urinary incontinence, permanent bladder and kidney damage that can reduce your quality of life.
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Aquablation therapy is an innovative treatment for an enlarged prostate that uses a water jet to remove excess prostate tissue. The robotically assisted procedure offers a safe, effective option with faster recovery and fewer complications than more traditional prostate care.
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Swedish now provides aquablation therapy, making it one of only four locations in Washington to offer this innovative BPH treatment.
Mentioning an "enlarged prostate" often leads to light-hearted jokes, but for millions of individuals affected by this common condition, it is a serious issue. A novel treatment option, known as aquablation therapy, has recently been introduced at Swedish Urology, offering a promising solution that could alter the current perception and management of this condition.
Aquablation therapy is an innovative procedure that uses a robotically controlled water jet to remove excess prostate tissue. The Food and Drug Administration approved the process several years ago, and it is now available locally through Swedish Urology.
“At Swedish, innovation has been a part of our mission, vision and values since our founding over a century ago and we are now one of only four locations in Washington offering aquablation therapy,” says M. Trevor Bennett, MBA, MSN, RN, associate vice president of acute care operations. “Offering the latest programs and services to our community is one of our top priorities, and aquablation is a way to care for our patients in a meaningful way.”
Why choose aquablation therapy?
For some people with an enlarged prostate, aquablation offers several advantages over more traditional prostate surgery.
“Aquablation uses water jet technology similar to what’s often seen in industrial applications for cutting metal. The process has been refined and adapted for medical use,” says Akhil A. Saji, M.D., a fellowship-trained urologist at Swedish Urology – First Hill. “The robotically assisted procedure is guided by ultrasound, providing a three-dimensional view of the prostate in real-time. This allows the urologist to visualize and plan the exact amount of tissue to remove.”
Aquablation therapy is performed in a hospital, usually requiring an overnight stay. You will be under anesthesia for the procedure, which typically takes less than an hour.
“Recovery after aquablation therapy is usually fast with minimal pain and discomfort. For the first couple of weeks after your procedure, you may experience some mild burning when you urinate. Mild pain medication is usually all that’s needed to handle any discomfort during your recovery period,” says Dr. Saji.
Watch video: M. Trevor Bennett, MBA, MSN, RN, associate vice president of acute care operations, discussed aquablation and other surgical advances at Providence Swedish on a recent edition of KING5's New Day Northwest.
“Aquablation represents a significant advancement in precision treatment,” Bennett says. “At Swedish, we offer a comprehensive range of care options, unlike many organizations that provide only a single solution. Our world-class surgeons deliver personalized treatments, from early-stage interventions to sophisticated robotically assisted surgeries, positioning us as a leader in prostate care.”
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder that helps produce semen. It wraps around the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body (the urethra). As you age, your prostate gland continues to grow. If it becomes too large, it can affect your bladder’s function and restrict your ability to urinate.
An enlarged prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is the most common prostate condition in men older than 50, and their risk increases with every birthday. In fact, more than 90% of men older than age 80 who have functioning testicles also have an enlarged prostate, according to the National Institutes of Health.
“BPH is a common condition affecting older men,” says Dr. Saji. “While the degree of prostate enlargement varies, it’s a nearly universal issue for aging men.”
What causes BPH?
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate most commonly affect the lower urinary tract, according to Dr. Saji, and may include:
- Weak or slow urine stream
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- “Dribbling” after urination
- Urinary incontinence
- Pain during ejaculation
- Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom (nocturia)
Treatment options
If left untreated, an enlarged prostate may cause significant health problems, such as kidney damage, bladder stones or incontinence.
Your doctor will make care recommendations based on several factors, including your overall health, age and the size of your prostate. Treatment options range from watchful waiting and lifestyle changes to medication or surgical procedures.
“Historically, the most common treatment has been transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This involves using an endoscopic instrument inserted through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue,” says Dr. Saji. “TURP has been effective for decades, but the procedure comes with downsides, such as risks to ejaculatory function and, less commonly, urinary incontinence. That’s where aquablation comes in.”
Advantages of aquablation therapy
Aquablation has a low rate of irreversible complications that can occur in more traditional care, including incontinence, ejaculation issues, erectile dysfunction or impotence. The procedure can be used safely and effectively on prostates of any shape and size.
Other benefits of aquablation therapy include:
- Custom-tailored treatment based on each person’s unique anatomy
- Heat-free tissue removal with robotic precision
- Minimal bleeding
- Sphincter preservation
- Rapid, long-lasting symptom relief
- Minimal side effects and reduced recovery time
Who is a candidate for aquablation therapy?
Nearly anyone who has an enlarged prostate that requires surgical intervention is a candidate for aquablation therapy, says Dr. Saji.
“Aquablation is suitable for most patients who qualify for TURP,” he explains. “Patients with certain rectal conditions, such as previous rectal surgery or rectal cancer, may not be eligible due to the need for ultrasound guidance that’s accessed through the rectum.”
“Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of everyone we serve,” Bennett adds. “In my dual capacity as Vice President of Swedish and a Swedish patient, I am personally and professionally committed to ensuring that these advanced technologies are available to any member of our community who requires them."
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician (APC)
If you’re ready to explore your treatment options for an enlarged prostate, aquablation therapy does not require a referral from your primary care doctor. Contact Swedish Urology to learn more about this innovative care.
Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Contact Swedish Primary Care to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician. You can also connect virtually with your doctor to review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual, you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Additional resources
Understanding prostate cancer: risks, symptoms and prevention
Men: Take charge of your health
Understanding erectile dysfunction
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
