Cost for private aquablation therapy and available locations
Aquablation therapy
Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for an enlarged prostate. It uses a precisely controlled waterjet, guided by ultrasound imaging and robotic technology, to remove excess prostate tissue that is restricting the flow of urine.
At Practice Plus Group, we offer aquablation prostate surgery as a treatment option for men experiencing urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. Our team can help you understand the procedure, what to expect during recovery and the treatment options available to you.
What is Aquablation therapy?
Aquablation is a type of prostate surgery used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostate enlargement. This is a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate gland grows larger and can press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
An enlarged prostate can make it difficult to pass urine and may cause symptoms such as:
- A weak or interrupted urine stream.
- Difficulty starting to urinate.
- Needing to urinate more frequently, including during the night.
- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely.
- Sudden urges to urinate.
- Difficulty emptying your bladder fully.
Aquablation treatment aims to remove the excess prostate tissue causing the obstruction, helping urine to flow more freely and improving urinary symptoms.
How does aquablation work?
Aquablation therapy combines real-time ultrasound imaging with a high-pressure waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue accurately.
Unlike treatments that rely on heat to destroy or remove tissue, aquablation uses a waterjet to remove the tissue identified for treatment. Ultrasound imaging helps the surgeon map the prostate and plan the procedure according to its size and shape.
The aim is to relieve pressure on the urethra while preserving surrounding structures as carefully as possible.
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, prostate size and overall health to determine whether aquablation is a suitable treatment for you.
What are the benefits of aquablation surgery?
Aquablation may offer several potential benefits for men with urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
Improved urinary flow
By removing excess tissue that obstructs the urethra, aquablation aims to improve urine flow and make passing urine easier.
Relief from urinary symptoms
Treatment may help reduce symptoms such as frequent urination, getting up during the night to urinate and difficulty emptying the bladder.
Precisely planned treatment
The combination of ultrasound imaging and robotic-assisted waterjet technology allows the surgeon to plan tissue removal according to the individual shape and size of the prostate.
A heat-free treatment approach
Aquablation uses a waterjet rather than heat to remove prostate tissue.
Potential to preserve sexual function
Aquablation may offer advantages for preserving aspects of sexual function compared with some other surgical treatments for an enlarged prostate. However, outcomes vary, and changes to ejaculation or sexual function can still occur.
Your consultant will explain the potential benefits and limitations of aquablation and discuss how it compares with other suitable treatments.
Aquablation is carried out in hospital under anaesthesia. The procedure generally involves the following steps:
- 1. Pre-operative assessment – Before surgery, your consultant will assess your urinary symptoms, medical history and prostate. You may need investigations to help determine whether aquablation is appropriate for you.
- 2. Anaesthesia – You will receive anaesthesia so that you are comfortable during the procedure. The type of anaesthesia will be discussed with your clinical team.
- 3. Ultrasound imaging and treatment planning – The surgeon uses ultrasound imaging to view the prostate and plan which tissue needs to be removed.
- 4. Removal of prostate tissue – A specialised instrument is passed through the urethra to the prostate. A precisely controlled, high-pressure waterjet is then used to remove the planned tissue.
- 5. Completion of the procedure – After the tissue has been removed, a urinary catheter is usually inserted to drain the bladder and help manage bleeding. Your clinical team will monitor you as you recover from the anaesthetic and procedure.
Your consultant will explain what to expect before your operation, including whether you are likely to need an overnight stay and how long you may need a catheter.
What are the side effects and risks of aquablation?
As with any surgical procedure, aquablation carries potential side effects and risks. Your individual risk will depend on factors such as your health, prostate size and medical history.
Possible side effects and complications include:
- Blood in your urine: Some bleeding is expected after surgery and usually settles as you recover.
- Burning or discomfort when urinating: You may experience temporary stinging or discomfort when passing urine.
- Urinary urgency and frequency: You may need to urinate more often or experience a sudden urge to go while your bladder recovers.
- Urinary retention: You may temporarily have difficulty passing urine, sometimes requiring a catheter.
- Urinary tract infection: An infection can develop following the procedure.
- Bleeding requiring further treatment: Occasionally, bleeding may be more significant and require additional intervention.
- Changes to ejaculation or sexual function: Some men experience changes in ejaculation or other aspects of sexual function following prostate surgery.
- Other surgical or anaesthetic complications: These may include injury to surrounding structures, narrowing of the urethra or complications associated with anaesthesia.
Not everyone experiences these side effects, and their likelihood and severity can vary.
Your consultant will discuss the potential risks, expected outcomes and alternative treatment options with you before you decide whether to proceed.
How long does it take to recover from aquablation?
Recovery after aquablation surgery varies from person to person. It depends on factors including your general health, the size of your prostate and how your body responds to treatment.
You will be monitored after surgery, and you may need a urinary catheter for a short period to allow your bladder to drain while you recover. The catheter is removed when your clinical team considers it appropriate.
You may experience some blood in your urine, urinary urgency, increased frequency or discomfort when passing urine during the initial recovery period. These symptoms should improve as healing progresses.
Many men can gradually return to their usual daily activities over the following weeks, but recovery times vary. You may need to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and sexual activity for a period advised by your consultant.
Improvements in urinary symptoms may become noticeable over the first few weeks, with further improvement as recovery continues.
Your clinical team will provide personalised advice about returning to work, driving, exercise and other activities, as well as any follow-up appointments you need.
How can I access aquablation treatment at Practice Plus Group?
At Practice Plus Group, we want to help you explore the right treatment option for your needs.
Aquablation treatment is available through the following funding routes:
Self-pay: If you are paying for your own treatment.
Private medical insurance: If you have private medical insurance, your policy may cover aquablation treatment, subject to your insurer’s terms and authorisation.
NHS: NHS treatment may be available where the procedure is commissioned and appropriate for your circumstances. Availability depends on local arrangements and eligibility.
Monthly payment plans: Monthly payment plans are available to help spread the cost of eligible private treatment, subject to the terms and eligibility criteria of the finance provider.
Contact Practice Plus Group to discuss your options and find out whether aquablation treatment is available to you.
Why choose Practice Plus Group?
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
