Aquablation: A cool solution for prostate health

You may start noticing it when you wake up unexpectedly in the middle of the night, finding that those frequent trips to the bathroom are becoming a part of your nightly routine. While many men assume it’s simply a part of aging, these changes are often due to a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, which can be effectively managed with the right approach.

The global increase of BPH by 119 percent from 1990 to 2019 is a clear indication that it’s a topic that should not be ignored. By age 60, almost half of all men will have an enlarged prostate. While it doesn’t increase your risk of prostate cancer or directly affect intimacy, it can become an annoying condition with a host of other issues. Besides the nighttime interruptions, BPH symptoms can include difficulty starting urination, dribbling after urination and feeling like you didn’t empty your bladder.

BPH is thought to be the result of aging and the hormonal changes in the body. When symptoms become worrisome and interfere with daily living, men seek professional help.

“I can look in our waiting room every day and about a third to half of the men will be seeking treatment for BPH,” says Harjivan Kohli, M.D., urologist at Providence St. Jude Medical Center. “This condition can cause some unpleasant symptoms, and our patients are relieved to learn about the effective treatments available.”

For mild symptoms, lifestyle changes can be enough to alleviate symptoms. Reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption can help, and avoiding fluids before bedtime can reduce sleep-disturbing bathroom trips. Medications like alpha-blockers can relax prostate muscles and improve urine flow. A group of drugs that target the production of DHT, known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, can help shrink the prostate.

When symptoms are too advanced and medical therapy is not working, a minimally invasive solution may be recommended. The original surgical solution for relief was the TURP method or transurethral resection of the prostate. Potential complications can include nerve damage that can cause incontinence or impact intimacy.

Some urologists at St. Jude Medical Center are now using Aquablation, an advanced minimally invasive procedure for treating BPH. This technique uses robotically controlled cool water jets to remove excess prostate tissue, combining real-time imaging with high-pressure targeting for exact tissue removal.

“I can look in our waiting room every day and about a third to half of the men will be seeking treatment for BPH”

— Harjivan Kohli, M.D.

“Unlike traditional surgeries, which rely on a surgeon’s direct vision, Aquablation uses continuous ultrasound imaging to guide me throughout the procedure,” says Dr. Kohli. “I create a customized treatment plan using real-time visuals of the prostate and the system helps me ensure uniform, predictable prostate tissue removal with incredible accuracy. It’s a game changer for the treatment of BPH.”

The advantages of the new technology are many. It’s minimally invasive, allowing for faster recovery. The heat-free approach minimizes nerve damage, reducing complications like urinary incontinence.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how Aquablation has truly transformed the lives of many of my patients,” adds Dr. Kohli. “The procedure works, and my patients are always sharing what a positive impact it’s made in their daily routine.”

For more information about Aquablation or to make an appointment, call Urological Medical Group of North Orange County at 714-870-5970.