Aquablation: The Revolutionary Method for BPH – First Introduced in Greece by RhodosUrology
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the groundbreaking Aquablation therapy, a minimally invasive treatment designed specifically for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). On this page, you'll find all the essential information about the benefits, procedure, cost, and outcomes of Aquablation. This innovative technique utilizes robotically guided waterjet ablation to precisely remove excess prostate tissue, restoring normal urine flow with minimal side effects.
Using high-pressure waterjet technology (water ablation) combined with advanced robotic guidance, Aquablation is the ideal solution for patients seeking a safe and effective alternative to traditional prostate procedures such as TURiS (Transurethral Resection in Saline) or other laser-based therapies (e.g., laser prostatectomy). At RhodosUrology.gr, we're committed to providing detailed insights into this revolutionary method, ensuring you have all the information needed to make an informed decision.
🔎 What is Aquablation Therapy?
Aquablation therapy is a robotically guided surgical procedure designed to precisely remove excess prostate tissue responsible for obstructive symptoms in men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This minimally invasive treatment requires no large incisions or prolonged hospitalization. Surgeons use a specialized cystoscope and advanced robotic system to direct a high-pressure waterjet, safely and effectively eliminating prostate tissue that blocks the urethra.
How does Aquablation Work?
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Imaging & Planning: Three-dimensional imaging precisely maps the prostate, allowing the surgeon to accurately target excess tissue.
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Robotic Guidance: The robotic system utilizes these detailed images to precisely guide the high-pressure waterjet.
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Tissue Removal: Using the power of pressurized water, prostate tissue is selectively removed without damaging surrounding healthy areas.
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Hemostasis: Although the waterjet itself doesn't generate heat or burn tissue, specialized hemostatic techniques are employed to minimize any bleeding.
Key Benefits of Aquablation
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Reduced Hospitalization Time: Patients typically return home the same or the following day.
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Precise Tissue Removal: Advanced 3D robotic guidance ensures accurate targeting.
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Minimal Side Effects: Aquablation has significantly fewer complications compared to TURiS or other traditional treatments.
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Restoration of Natural Urine Flow: Aquablation greatly enhances quality of life by restoring normal urinary function.
💡 Why Choose Aquablation Over Other Treatments?
Selecting the most suitable treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) depends on factors such as the patient's overall health, age, prostate size, and previous experiences with medications or other surgical procedures. Aquablation stands out for the following reasons:
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Unmatched Precision: Robotic technology enables precise identification and selective removal of problematic prostate tissue, greatly reducing the risk of damage to surrounding structures.
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Faster Recovery: Patients generally experience less postoperative pain and can quickly resume daily activities.
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Fewer Complications: Compared to traditional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), Aquablation therapy has significantly lower complication rates, particularly regarding bleeding.
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Enhanced Sexual Function: Clinical studies indicate that Aquablation therapy better preserves erectile function and notably reduces the risk of retrograde ejaculation.
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Ideal for Larger Prostates: Aquablation effectively treats large prostates, even when other methods prove insufficient or more painful.
Important Statistic: Research shows that 1 in 2 men over 50 experience some degree of BPH. Many of these men benefit from minimally invasive treatments like Aquablation, which achieves symptom improvement success rates of over 85%.
🚀 The Innovation and Natural Flow of Aquablation
One of Aquablation’s most significant advantages is its combination of robotic precision and the natural power of water pressure. The natural flow of water enables:
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Selective Tissue Removal: Unlike laser or electrocautery techniques, water gently "sculpts" only the problematic prostate tissue.
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Avoidance of Thermal Damage: With no heat involved, surrounding healthy tissues remain largely unaffected.
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Reduced Postoperative Pain: Without intense tissue trauma or burns, patients experience significantly less pain after the procedure.
The Importance of Innovation
Continuous innovations in urology aim to enhance patients' quality of life while minimizing complications. Aquablation therapy:
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Integrates state-of-the-art technology, including robotic systems and real-time imaging.
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Provides surgeons with increased procedural control and precision.
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Minimizes the risk of human error during surgery.
Expert Tip: For men experiencing chronic urinary issues caused by BPH, Aquablation offers an innovative solution, quickly relieving symptoms while preserving normal body functions.
🔬 Aquablation vs. Other Techniques (TURiS, Laser, Rezūm, etc.)
The treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) has significantly evolved over time. Here’s a comparison between Aquablation therapy and other popular surgical methods:
TURiS (Transurethral Resection in Saline)
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Description: Classic method used for decades, employing electric current to cut away or resect prostate tissue.
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Disadvantages: Higher risk of bleeding, longer hospital stays, potential retrograde ejaculation.
Laser Prostatectomy (GreenLight, Holmium, etc.)
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Description: Laser-based techniques utilizing varying wavelengths to vaporize or cut prostate tissue.
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Advantages: Reduced bleeding compared to TURiS, moderate recovery time.
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Disadvantages: Risk of thermal damage to surrounding tissues, possible difficulty in treating very large prostates.
Rezūm Therapy
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Description: Uses thermal energy from water vapor to shrink prostate tissue.
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Advantages: Short, minimally invasive procedure.
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Disadvantages: Delayed results—prostate tissue shrinkage and symptom improvement may take several weeks.
Aquablation Therapy
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Description: Robotically guided procedure utilizing high-pressure waterjet technology.
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Advantages: Minimal thermal injury, unmatched precision, excellent preservation of sexual function, highly effective for larger prostates.
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Disadvantages: Currently available primarily at specialized centers; requires advanced equipment and trained medical staff.
Valuable Statistic: Recent clinical trials show Aquablation results in up to 10% fewer bleeding incidents compared to TURiS. Additionally, approximately 60% of Aquablation patients report no negative impact on sexual function.
📊 Clinical Studies & Success Rates
Aquablation therapy has been extensively studied to assess its safety, effectiveness, and long-term viability as a treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Below are key findings from recent research:
Symptom Improvement
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Patients reported significant improvement in urinary symptoms, with IPSS scores decreasing from an average of 20-25 points to less than 10 within 12-24 months post-treatment.
Durable Results
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Clinical data confirm sustained symptom relief, lasting at least 3-5 years following the procedure.
High Patient Satisfaction
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Approximately 80-90% of patients would recommend Aquablation therapy to others, citing noticeable improvements and overall satisfaction with outcomes.
Low Repeat Surgery Rates
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The likelihood of needing follow-up surgery is considerably lower compared to traditional treatments, particularly beneficial for larger prostate sizes.
Clinical Evaluation Highlights
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Reduced Postoperative Pain: Patients consistently rate postoperative pain levels as low (around 2-3 out of 10) in the initial days after surgery.
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Minimal Bleeding: Studies show Aquablation significantly reduces bleeding compared to TURP, with blood loss volume reduced by up to 30%.
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Preservation of Sexual Function: Sexual function remains unchanged or even slightly improves in most cases, possibly due to psychological relief following urinary symptom resolution.
💰 Aquablation Cost & Contact Information
Currently, the cost of Aquablation therapy in Greece is significantly higher compared to TURiS (Transurethral Resection in Saline). Additionally, there is no official insurance coverage for this procedure yet, meaning patients must fully cover treatment expenses out-of-pocket.
However, Aquablation’s advanced technology and its substantial advantages—including minimal side effects, rapid recovery, and unmatched precision—may justify the increased cost. For detailed pricing information or to discuss personalized payment options, please contact our team directly at RhodosUrology.gr. We are here to provide comprehensive and tailored guidance to meet your individual needs.
🏥 Procedure, Preparation & Postoperative Care
Preoperative Preparation
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Clinical Evaluation: Your urologist will prescribe specialized blood tests, ultrasounds, or an MRI of the prostate to determine its exact size and shape.
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Medication Review: Any medications affecting blood clotting must be properly adjusted before the surgery.
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Dietary Instructions: Patients are typically required to fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours prior to surgery, depending on anesthesia guidelines.
Day of Surgery
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Admission to Clinic: A brief re-examination will be conducted to confirm test results and patient readiness.
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Anesthesia: Aquablation therapy is usually performed under general anesthesia, although spinal anesthesia is occasionally chosen.
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Procedure Duration: In most cases, the Aquablation procedure lasts between 30-60 minutes, depending on prostate size and complexity.
Postoperative Care
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Catheter Placement: A urinary catheter typically remains in place for about 24 hours (or rarely 48 hours) to ensure smooth urine flow post-surgery.
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Monitoring: Medical staff will closely monitor for signs of bleeding or infection.
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Returning Home: Most patients are discharged within 24-48 hours after the procedure.
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Recovery Recommendations: Gentle physical activity is recommended; avoid strenuous exercise and closely monitor fluid intake during the initial recovery period.
Return to Daily Activities
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Depending on your occupation, many patients resume light activities within 1-2 weeks after surgery.
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Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity for approximately 1-2 months, following your urologist’s guidance.
✅ Conclusions & Next Steps
Θεραπεία των Πέτρων στα Νεφρά (Νεφρολιθίαση)
Η θεραπεία για τις πέτρες στα νεφρά εξαρτάται από το μέγεθος, τη θέση, τη χημική σύσταση της πέτρας, τα συμπτώματα του ασθενούς και τυχόν επιπλοκές που έχουν προκύψει. Στόχος της θεραπείας είναι η απομάκρυνση της πέτρας, η ανακούφιση των συμπτωμάτων και η πρόληψη υποτροπών.
1. Συντηρητική Θεραπεία
Αναμονή και Αυθόρμητη Αποβολή
- Μικρές πέτρες (διάμετρος έως 5-6 χιλιοστά) συχνά αποβάλλονται μόνες τους μέσω των ούρων.
- Συνιστάται:
- Αυξημένη κατανάλωση υγρών για την προώθηση της πέτρας μέσω του ουροποιητικού.
- Αναλγητικά φάρμακα (π.χ. ιβουπροφαίνη) για την ανακούφιση του πόνου.
- Φάρμακα για τη χαλάρωση του ουρητήρα (π.χ. α-αδρενεργικοί ανταγωνιστές) για τη διευκόλυνση της αποβολής.
Διατροφική Αλλαγή και Φαρμακευτική Θεραπεία
- Εξατομικευμένη δίαιτα με περιορισμό τροφών που συμβάλλουν στο σχηματισμό λίθων, όπως οξαλικά (σπανάκι, παντζάρια), ζωικές πρωτεΐνες και αλάτι.
- Φαρμακευτική αγωγή για τη μείωση της δημιουργίας λίθων, ανάλογα με τη χημική σύστασή τους:
- Διουρητικά θειαζιδικά για λίθους ασβεστίου.
- Αλλοπουρινόλη για λίθους ουρικού οξέος.
- Κιτρικά άλατα για την αύξηση των επιπέδων κιτρικών στα ούρα.
2. Επεμβατικές Θεραπείες
Όταν οι πέτρες δεν αποβάλλονται φυσικά ή προκαλούν σοβαρά συμπτώματα ή επιπλοκές, μπορεί να απαιτηθεί επεμβατική αντιμετώπιση:
Λιθοτριψία με Κρουστικά Κύματα (ESWL)
- Μη επεμβατική μέθοδος που χρησιμοποιεί κρουστικά κύματα για τη διάσπαση της πέτρας σε μικρότερα κομμάτια, τα οποία αποβάλλονται μέσω των ούρων.
- Ιδανική για πέτρες μικρού ή μεσαίου μεγέθους.
- Μπορεί να προκαλέσει παροδικό πόνο ή αιματουρία.
Ενδοσκοπική Λιθοτριψία (URS)
- Μέσω ενός λεπτού ενδοσκοπίου, η πέτρα εντοπίζεται και αφαιρείται ή διασπάται με laser.
- Ιδανική για πέτρες στον ουρητήρα ή στην ουροδόχο κύστη.
Διαδερμική Νεφρολιθοτριψία (PCNL)
- Χρησιμοποιείται για μεγάλες ή πολύπλοκες πέτρες στους νεφρούς.
- Πραγματοποιείται μέσω μικρής τομής στο δέρμα, με τη χρήση ειδικών εργαλείων για τη διάσπαση και αφαίρεση της πέτρας.
Λαπαροσκοπική Χειρουργική
- Σπάνια απαιτείται και συνήθως επιλέγεται σε περιπτώσεις πολύ μεγάλων λίθων ή ανατομικών ανωμαλιών του ουροποιητικού συστήματος.
3. Θεραπεία Επιπλοκών
- Τοποθέτηση ουρητηρικού καθετήρα (Pig-tail) για την ανακούφιση της απόφραξης.
- Αντιβιοτική αγωγή σε περίπτωση λοίμωξης του ουροποιητικού συστήματος.
4. Πρόληψη Υποτροπών
Μετά την απομάκρυνση της πέτρας, είναι σημαντικό να υιοθετηθούν μέτρα πρόληψης:
- Αυξημένη κατανάλωση νερού για τη διατήρηση αραιών ούρων.
- Διατροφικές τροποποιήσεις με τη βοήθεια διαιτολόγου ή ειδικού.
- Τακτική παρακολούθηση με απεικονιστικές και εργαστηριακές εξετάσεις για την έγκαιρη ανίχνευση νέων λίθων.
Η σωστή θεραπεία της νεφρολιθίασης εξαρτάται από την έγκαιρη διάγνωση και την εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση, ώστε να επιτευχθεί η μέγιστη ανακούφιση και πρόληψη των υποτροπών.
Aquablation therapy represents a revolutionary, minimally invasive approach to treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). Utilizing advanced robotic guidance and powerful waterjet technology, Aquablation delivers:
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High success rates with immediate symptom relief.
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Minimal side effects compared to traditional methods (such as TURP or laser treatments).
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Rapid recovery, enabling a quick return to normal activities.
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Excellent preservation of sexual function, significantly reducing the risk of retrograde ejaculation.
At RhodosUrology.gr, our experienced team not only adheres to international clinical guidelines but proudly pioneers the introduction of Aquablation in Greece. Equipped with advanced technology and specialized training, we are uniquely prepared to help patients struggling with common BPH symptoms, including difficulty initiating or maintaining urination, increased frequency, nocturia, or the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Aquablation therapy can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Your Next Step:
For personalized information, consultation, or treatment scheduling, please contact our dedicated medical team at RhodosUrology.gr today.