Ask the Doctor: What is Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

What is Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

The prostate is a small gland with a significant impact on men's health, especially as they age. While prostate conditions are common, many men delay seeking care because they assume urinary or pelvic symptoms are simply a normal part of aging.

The most common prostate-related condition is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlargement of the prostate. As the prostate grows, it may constrict the urethra, making urination difficult, and it may also place pressure on the bladder, causing it to weaken and making it difficult to empty completely.

"Aquablation therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for BPH," says Seth D. Rosenbaum, MD, MMM, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton (RWJUH Hamilton), an RWJBarnabas Health facility. This safe and effective surgical technology available at RWJUH Hamilton allows surgeons to reach the prostate through the urethra, meaning no incisions are made, with minimal side effects and long-lasting relief."

The procedure uses waterjets guided by the AquaBeam Robotic System to remove prostate tissue. Special software creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to your anatomy. The heat-free waterjets are robotically controlled to enhance precision while avoiding critical structures. This treatment offers patients long-lasting symptom relief while reducing the risk of incontinence and loss of sexual function.

Aquablation Therapy is an excellent option in a broader range of treatments available to patients. However, the first step is recognizing symptoms and being seen by a board-certified urologist. "The earlier we evaluate a patient and their symptoms, the easier it is to treat," said Vitaly Zholudev, MD, board-certified urologist and member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. The biggest mistake many men make is waiting too long to see a urologist.

What are early warning signs that indicate it is time to make an appointment with a urologist?

• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling like the bladder isn't fully empty
• Sudden urgency to urinate
• Dribbling after urination

"Men may avoid seeing a urologist because conversations about intimate body parts can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing, they struggle to find the right words to describe their symptoms, or they live by the mindset, 'If it isn't broke, don't fix it'," says Dr. Zholudev. "Men, at any age, experiencing any of these symptoms should make an appointment with a urologist."

Unlike women, who often receive routine gynecological care, standard medical guidelines do not prompt men to see a urologist preventatively without symptoms. However, early evaluation by a urologist can make a significant difference in treatment options, long-term outcomes, and overall quality of life. For men who notice even slight changes in urinary or pelvic function at any age, the safest step is to consult a urologist. Prompt action not only protects prostate health but also supports overall well-being as men age.

Board-certified urologists, John Watson, MD, Section Chief of Urology and Medical Staff Leadership at RWJUH Hamilton, and Vitaly Zholudev, MD, both RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group providers, see patients in their practice located at 1 Sheffield Drive, Suite 202A, Columbus, NJ 08022.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call .

Learn more at rwjbh.org/hamilton