Aquablation treatment is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. The procedure uses a robotically controlled, heat-free water jet to remove excess prostate tissue that may be causing urinary symptoms.
Aquablation combines real-time ultrasound imaging with robotic technology to enable precise treatment planning and tissue removal. It is designed to treat urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate while helping to preserve surrounding structures.
Aquablation is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate (BPH) that uses a high pressure jet of salt water to remove excess prostate tissue causing issues to the bladder and urethra.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a common condition in men and anyone with a prostate over the age of 50. The cause enlarged prostate happens
As the prostate enlarges, it can put pressure on and narrow the urethra, making it more difficult for urine to pass freely. This can lead to symptoms such as:
Aquablation uses a robotically controlled, heat-free water jet to remove excess prostate tissue that is putting pressure on the bladder and causing urinary symptoms. It combines real time ultrasound imaging with robotic technology to enable precise treatment planning and tissue removal based on your individual needs.
The cost of your Aquablation treatment will depend on various factors. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, and you’ll receive a full breakdown of costs before making your decision. You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover. Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.
During your initial consultation, one of our expert urologist consultants will discuss with you the symptoms that have been troubling you, your medical history, your family history, and any existing investigations you may have had.
It is also likely that they may also perform a physical examination to determine if your prostate is enlarged. This may involve examining your stomach area (abdomen), penis, and back passage (rectum).
If your consultant suspects your symptoms may be caused by BPH, they may recommend further investigations, such as blood tests, a urine test, or a transrectal ultrasound, to determine what may be causing the issue.
If an enlarged prostate is determined to be the cause of concern, your consultant will discuss your treatment options, including Aquablation. They will discuss with you how the procedure works and whether it is suitable treatment option for your individual circumstances.
On the day of the procedure, your consultant and healthcare team will help you prepare beforehand. The treatment is typically done under spinal or general anaesthesia. This means that either you won’t feel anything from the waist down or you won’t be awake during the operation. Be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home after the procedure as you won’t be able to drive due to the side effects of the anaesthesia.
Once the anaesthesia has taken affect, your surgeon will begin by passing an ultrasound probe in your rectum (back passage). They will also insert a long, thin tube with a small camera and light on the end, called a cystoscope, up through your urethra to the prostate. As the procedure is performed by a cystoscope passing through the urethra, there are no external surgical incisions (cuts) done during the operation. Using real time images from both these tools, your surgeon can map out exactly what prostate tissue to remove and the areas to protect during the operation.
A high-pressure, heat-free salt water (saline) jet is then delivered to carefully remove excess prostate tissue. Your surgeon will remain in control throughout the procedure, using the real time images to precisely target excess tissue. Due to thermal energy not being used, damage to surrounding tissue may be reduced. A suction tool is used during the operation to help clear away the excess tissue that has been removed from the prostate.
Once all the necessary tissue has been taken away, any exposed blood vessels will be sealed to stop further bleeding and the cystoscope is removed. A soft tube called a catheter is then fed through your urethra into the bladder to help drain your urine and rinse out any blood.
Typically, the procedure takes 40 to 60 minutes to complete but this depends on your individual circumstances.
After the operation, you will usually stay in the hospital overnight for observation to make sure there are no complications and that you have recovered well. It is normal to
have some pain or discomfort after the procedure, and you may be given painkillers to help ease this feeling.
While at the hospital, your bladder will be gently rinsed out through the catheter. The catheter will stay in for a short time and is removed once your urine is clear and you are passing urine well. Your surgeon will give you a better idea of what to expect.
Before you leave the hospital, your consultant will provide you personalised advice on what to expect during your recovery and explain any temporary side affects you may experience. Once you are ready to go home, a person you trust or a professional carer will have to come to pick you up and drive you back as you won’t be able to drive. Most patients can return to driving again two days after the procedure.
During recovery, it’s normal to feel burning when you pass urine, trouble urinating, need to go more often, and see blood in your urine or semen for a while. You should start to see some improvement after a few weeks. Most people are able to return to normal activities after two weeks, but this does depend on your individual recovery journey.
To help ease the side effects during recovery, make sure to drink lots of water to help flush any remaining blood out of your urine. Try to not drink bladder-irritating fluids, such as caffeinated or carbonated drinks as well as citrus fruit juices.
Avoid heavy exercise, cycling, and lifting for a few weeks after the procedure to prevent any issues from arising.
Follow-up appointments may be arranged so your consultant can monitor your recovery, keep an eye on any side effects, and assess how you have responded to treatment.
Aquablation can help give long‑lasting relief from urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, while usually keeping sexual function and bladder control well preserved compared to other treatment options.
Benefits of the procedure can include:
Many patients experience an improvement in urinary symptoms following treatment, which may help them return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
As with any treatment, outcomes vary between individuals. Your experience will depend on a range of factors, including your prostate size, anatomy, and overall health.
Your consultant will discuss the expected benefits and any potential limitations based on your specific circumstances.
Based in Windsor, Berkshire, Princess Margaret Hospital offers access to expert urological care, advanced facilities, and personalised support throughout your treatment journey.
Our multidisciplinary teams work together to support our patients throughout every stage of their treatment journey, from initial consultation through to recovery and follow-up care.
If you choose to follow your healthcare journey with us, you will have access to:
At Princess Margaret Hospital, we are committed to providing professional, compassionate care, ensuring you receive clear information and personalised support when making decisions about your treatment options.
If you are based in Windsor, Maidenhead, Ascot, or any surrounding areas and are looking for aquablation treatment, Princess Margaret Hospital has you covered.
At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:
To book a consultation to discuss Aquablation treatment with an expert urologist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
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