Aquablation: Revolutionary Treatment Offers New Hope for Men with Enlarged Prostates

For millions of men experiencing the frustrating symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a groundbreaking treatment called Aquablation is changing lives.

As we enter June, Men’s Health Awareness Month, Dr. Tyler Maiers, a board-certified urologist with Lee Health Urology, explains how this innovative procedure is helping patients reclaim their quality of life while preserving sexual function. Also, read on to learn how preventive screenings can help you live your healthiest life.

Understanding benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects an estimated 14 million men in the U.S., according to the National Institutes of Health. 

Men can develop BPH starting as early as their 30s or 40s, and it becomes increasingly common with age, according to Dr. Maiers. The likelihood of diagnosis increases significantly with age; about half of men in their 50s and as many as 90 percent of men over 80 have BPH.

Dr. Maiers says BPH symptoms can occur when the prostate pinches the urethra. The underlying cause relates to how the prostate grows over time. 

"The prostate can grow outward, but it can also compress the urethra inward, and it's typically that inward compression that leads to the symptoms," he explains.

Men with BPH often experience a weak urinary stream, hesitancy when trying to urinate, straining, and frequent nighttime bathroom visits. The condition can also cause urinary frequency and urgency throughout the day. Dr. Maiers adds that an overactive bladder can also cause urinary frequency.

WATCH: Meet Dr. Maiers

"For some men, BPH can be really debilitating, obviously, to wake up five or six times at night. Some men also get frustrated when they're standing at the urinal for minutes on end," he says.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, for many men, is a quality-of-life issue, one whose severity can vary significantly from person to person and impact daily life.

What makes Aquablation therapy different from standard treatments

Aquablation represents a significant advancement in BPH treatment. Unlike other treatments that may cause sexual dysfunction, heat-free Aquablation is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves ejaculatory function by protecting important tissues. 

"With many of our other treatment options, the risk of ejaculatory dysfunction or erectile dysfunction is much higher than it is with Aquablation therapy," Dr. Maiers says. 

Traditional medical therapies include medications for managing BPH symptoms. They can be effective, but they often have side effects.

"A lot of men who have already been on medications for many years tend to want to avoid a lifelong commitment in that regard.” 

How the minimally invasive procedure works

The procedure starts with the surgeon creating a surgical map using ultrasound imaging and a tiny camera (cystoscope) to identify the specific tissue causing the blockage, allowing the surgeon to avoid areas responsible for sexual function. The surgeon then directs a robotic-assisted, heat-free water jet to precisely remove tissue without causing heat damage, minimizing potential complications and preserving sexual function. 

Dr. Maiers says one of the most appealing aspects of Aquablation is that it requires no external incisions. The entire procedure is performed internally through the urethra, which allows faster recovery times. 

“The level of precision the robot offers are greater than what we can achieve using other techniques,” Dr. Maiers says. “The water jet ablation actually strips away at the prostate layer by layer. And we can watch it in real time as this is happening.” 

The procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. A catheter remains in place to drain urine while the urethra heals, usually about three to seven days, Dr. Maiers notes. 

Long-term results and patient satisfaction

Aquablation therapy offers exceptional durability compared to other treatment options. According to Dr. Maiers, most patients don't need re-treatment. 

“The reason I keep doing it is because patients keep coming back very happy,” he says, citing the procedure's effectiveness. 

Are you a candidate for Aquablation therapy?

Aquablation isn't suitable for everyone, but it works well for patients with prostates of a certain size and shape, according to Dr. Maiers.

"We usually get that information by doing a cystoscopy and prostate volume measurement ahead of time. There is a specific range, like 30 to 80 grams typically, but there's technically no upper size limit," he says.

The robotic precision makes the procedure particularly effective for larger prostates, where the technological assistance helps ensure accuracy and reduces procedure time.

WATCH HEALTH MATTERS: Dr. Maiers explains if Aquablation is right for you

Taking the first step

Men experiencing symptoms of BPH don't have to accept a diminished quality of life, Dr. Maiers says. 

“A lot of men don't realize that treatment options exist, and the first step is usually coming to speak with a urologist," he says. 

The initial evaluation typically includes a cystoscopy to characterize the prostate's size and shape, often combined with an ultrasound to obtain precise measurements. This comprehensive assessment helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual patient.

For men struggling with the daily challenges of BPH, Aquablation represents a promising option that can restore normal urinary function while preserving sexual health. With its combination of precision, durability, and minimal side effects, this innovative treatment is helping countless men reclaim their comfort and confidence.

Take charge of your health to live your best life

Men’s Health Awareness Month encourages men and boys to take charge of their health by making healthy lifestyle decisions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13.2% of men aged 18 and over are in fair or poor health.

Read here about the importance of an annual wellness exam and how these recommended preventive screenings can help you avoid becoming a statistic.

Lee Health Adult Urology

Lee Physician Group urologists are highly trained, compassionate, and set the standard for urological care. We pioneer new technologies, treatments, and patient connections across Southwest Florida.

Are you wondering if you’re a candidate for Aquablation therapy? Schedule an appointment with a Lee Health physician today.