Advanced Treatment for BPH and Enlarged Prostate
If an enlarged prostate is making it difficult to urinate, disrupting your sleep, or interfering with your daily life, Aquablation® therapy may provide lasting relief.
At Urology Specialists of Cypress, our urology team provides advanced care for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other prostate conditions for men in Cypress, Texas, and the surrounding Katy, Tomball, and Jersey Village areas. The practice is led by board-certified urologist James Stocks, MD, who is experienced in endoscopic and robotic surgical techniques.
Aquablation therapy combines real-time ultrasound imaging, robotic-assisted technology, and a heat-free waterjet to precisely remove prostate tissue that is obstructing urinary flow.
To find out whether Aquablation is an appropriate BPH treatment for you, call 281-304-2521 or schedule an appointment online with Urology Specialists of Cypress.
What is Aquablation therapy?
Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly called an enlarged prostate.
As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine. Aquablation is designed to remove the prostate tissue responsible for the obstruction.
Unlike procedures that use heat to remove prostate tissue, Aquablation uses a heat-free waterjet controlled by robotic-assisted technology. Real-time ultrasound imaging helps the urologist visualize the prostate and develop a treatment plan based on the patient's individual anatomy.
What symptoms can Aquablation help treat?
BPH becomes increasingly common as men get older. While an enlarged prostate is noncancerous, it can cause bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms.
You may want to talk with a urologist about BPH treatment if you're experiencing:
Not every man with an enlarged prostate needs surgery. Your urologist can evaluate your symptoms, prostate health, and previous treatments to determine whether Aquablation or another BPH treatment may be appropriate.
How does Aquablation work?
Aquablation therapy is performed under anesthesia and typically involves two primary stages.
Personalized prostate mapping
First, the surgeon uses real-time ultrasound imaging along with a cystoscope to visualize the prostate. This allows the surgeon to identify the tissue causing the obstruction and create a personalized treatment plan.
Robotic-assisted waterjet treatment
Once the treatment area has been mapped, robotic-assisted technology guides a high-velocity, heat-free waterjet to remove the targeted prostate tissue.
Removing the obstructive tissue creates a more open pathway through the prostate, allowing urine to flow more freely.
What are the benefits of Aquablation for BPH?
For appropriate patients, Aquablation offers several potential advantages.
One of its defining features is its combination of real-time imaging and robotic-assisted precision. The surgeon creates the treatment plan, while the robotic system executes the planned tissue removal using the waterjet.
Aquablation also removes prostate tissue without using heat during the waterjet resection. Clinical studies have demonstrated durable improvement in BPH symptoms and low rates of certain irreversible complications, including erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and incontinence. Individual outcomes vary, and your urologist can discuss these considerations in the context of your health and treatment goals.
Another potential advantage is versatility. Aquablation has been studied for men with prostates of varying sizes and shapes.
Is Aquablation an alternative to TURP?
Aquablation and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) are both procedures that remove prostate tissue to improve urinary symptoms caused by BPH, but they use different methods.
Traditional TURP removes obstructive tissue using an electrosurgical instrument. Aquablation instead uses a robotically controlled, heat-free waterjet guided by ultrasound imaging.
Clinical research comparing the procedures has found significant symptom improvement with Aquablation while demonstrating advantages in certain safety outcomes. The best procedure for you depends on factors such as your prostate anatomy, symptom severity, medical history, and treatment priorities.
Who is a candidate for Aquablation?
Aquablation may be considered for men experiencing moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by BPH, particularly when symptoms aren't adequately controlled with medication or when a patient is interested in a surgical treatment option.
A urologist will need to evaluate you before determining whether you're a candidate. Your evaluation may include discussing your symptoms and medications, reviewing your medical history, examining your prostate, and performing appropriate diagnostic testing.
At Urology Specialists of Cypress, treatment recommendations are individualized to each patient's needs. The practice provides comprehensive care for prostate problems, including BPH.
What should I expect after Aquablation?
Aquablation is performed in a hospital under anesthesia and typically takes about an hour, although procedure and recovery times can vary.
Patients generally wake up with a urinary catheter to allow the urethra to heal. An overnight hospital stay may be necessary, and many patients are able to leave the hospital without a catheter.
Temporary burning with urination can occur during recovery. Your surgeon will give you individualized instructions about activity restrictions, medications, catheter care if necessary, and when you can safely return to normal activities.
How long do the results of Aquablation last?
Aquablation is designed to provide durable relief from urinary symptoms caused by BPH.
Clinical studies have demonstrated sustained symptom improvement at five years, with a high percentage of studied patients not requiring additional BPH medication or surgical treatment during that period. Long-term results vary from patient to patient.
Does Aquablation affect sexual function?
Sexual side effects are an important consideration for many men choosing a BPH procedure.
Because Aquablation uses detailed imaging and a personalized treatment plan, the surgeon can identify tissue to remove while working to preserve important surrounding anatomy. Clinical studies have reported low rates of irreversible erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction following Aquablation therapy.
No procedure is risk-free, however. Your urologist will discuss potential complications and how Aquablation compares with other BPH treatment options based on your individual circumstances.
Schedule an Aquablation Consultation in Cypress, TX
You don't have to accept frequent bathroom trips, interrupted sleep, or difficulty urinating as a normal part of getting older.
If you're searching for Aquablation therapy, BPH treatment, or enlarged prostate treatment in Cypress, TX, talk with the team at Urology Specialists of Cypress about your options.
The practice serves men throughout Cypress, Katy, Tomball, Jersey Village, and surrounding Texas communities and provides personalized treatment for BPH and other urologic conditions.
Call 281-304-2521 or schedule your urology appointment online today.