Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Treating an enlarged prostate with advanced, minimally invasive technology

If an enlarged prostate is making it difficult to urinate, disrupting your sleep, or affecting your quality of life, Aquablation therapy may serve as a minimally invasive treatment option.

Available through Moffitt’s Genitourinary Clinic, Aquablation uses advanced imaging, robotics, computer-guided surgical planning, and a heat-free waterjet to precisely remove prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. This advanced technology is designed to provide effective relief from urinary symptoms while helping to preserve important functions, including sexual and urinary function.

What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate, occurs when the prostate grows larger than normal. As the prostate enlarges, it can put pressure on the urethra and make it more difficult for urine to pass.

BPH may cause symptoms such as:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Waking several times during the night to urinate
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Straining to urinate
• A feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied

Although BPH is not prostate cancer, untreated symptoms can affect quality of life and, in some cases, bladder and kidney function.

How does Aquablation work?

Aquablation is performed using a robotic system that combines imaging, advanced computer software, artificial intelligence and a heat-free waterjet.

Your urologist uses imaging to see the prostate and identify the tissue that needs to be removed. A personalized treatment plan is created to help preserve areas important for urinary continence and sexual function.

The robotic system then directs a high-pressure, heat-free waterjet to precisely remove the targeted prostate tissue. Because Aquablation does not rely on heat to remove tissue, it provides a different approach from procedures that use thermal energy.

Aquablation can be used to treat a broad range of prostate sizes and shapes. At Moffitt, your urology team will evaluate your prostate anatomy, symptoms, and overall health to determine whether the procedure is right for you.

Who may be a candidate for Aquablation?

Aquablation may be an option for patients with BPH who continue to experience bothersome urinary symptoms despite medication or who are considering a procedural treatment to avoid long-term medication use

Moffitt also offers Aquablation evaluation for select patients with prostate cancer who are being managed with active surveillance and are experiencing urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate of any size.

Your Moffitt urology team will evaluate your medical history, prostate size and anatomy, urinary symptoms and other factors to determine whether Aquablation is appropriate for you.

A urinary symptom questionnaire, such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), may also be used to help assess the severity of your symptoms.

What can I expect?

If you are a candidate, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia at Moffitt McKinley Hospital. The average total surgical procedure time is less than one hour, 

Patients will stay overnight following the procedure for monitoring and recovery. A urinary catheter will be used following the procedure and will typically remain in place for 48 hours to five days, depending on your recovery.

After you return home, your care team will provide instructions for recovery and follow-up. Follow-up visits help your team monitor your urinary function and recovery. Pre-operative consultations and post-operative care appointments are conveniently available at our Moffitt Cancer Center Magnolia Campus, Moffitt Cancer Center SouthShore, and Moffitt Cancer Center Speros locations.

Recovery after Aquablation

It is common to experience temporary urinary symptoms during the early recovery period. These may include burning or discomfort with urination, blood or tissue debris in the urine, changes in urinary flow, frequency, urgency or nighttime urination.

Most symptoms improve within two to four weeks, although some bladder-related symptoms may take longer to resolve. Your recovery will depend on your individual circumstances, and your care team will provide specific instructions about when you can return to your usual activities.

Why choose Moffitt for Aquablation?

Moffitt brings together advanced technology and specialized expertise to care for patients with complex medical needs.

For patients who have a history of cancer or other significant medical conditions, determining the right treatment for BPH may require careful consideration of previous treatments, medications, and overall health. Our urology team works within a comprehensive cancer center, giving patients access to specialists and resources that can help address their individual needs.

Aquablation gives eligible patients access to this advanced treatment without having to leave Moffitt for their BPH care.

Is Aquablation right for me?

Every patient is different. Your Moffitt expert will consider your symptoms, prostate size and anatomy, medical history, and treatment goals when determining whether Aquablation is right for you.

If you would like to learn more about Aquablation therapy for BPH, you can request an appointment with one of our urology experts in our Genitourinary Oncology Program by calling 888-663-3488 or submit a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.