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Aquablation Therapy

Struggling with an enlarged prostate? Aquablation therapy at HSHS St. Elizabeth's offers lasting relief with less risk.

Older man enjoying the outdoors

If you’re one of the millions of men dealing with an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, Aquablation therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

BPH is the number one reason men visit a urologist. About half of men ages 51 to 60 have it, and it gets more common with age. Left untreated, it can lead to serious problems, including:

Aquablation therapy is a surgical treatment that removes the prostate tissue blocking urine flow without a skin incision. At HSHS St. Elizabeth’s, we now use the HYDROS Robotic System, the most advanced platform available for this procedure.

Why Choose Aquablation Therapy?

Aquablation therapy gives you a treatment option that’s precise, effective, and built for the long term:

  • Powered by water, not heat - robotic precision with less risk of damage to surrounding tissue
  • Works for any prostate size or shape
  • Long-lasting symptom relief 2,3
  • Low rates of serious complications
  • No abdominal incision with a typical procedure time under an hour
  • May involve only one overnight stay

How Does Aquablation Therapy Work?

Your urologist performs the procedure using the FDA-approved HYDROS Robotic System to treat BPH. The system combines advanced imaging, AI-powered planning, and robotic precision to tailor the procedure specifically to your anatomy.


How It Works

  1. Your urologist maps your prostate using real-time ultrasound imaging and digital cystoscopy.
  2. AI-powered planning (FirstAssist AI™) analyzes your anatomy and suggests an optimal treatment plan.
  3. The prostate is reached through the urethra and a robotic waterjet precisely removes the tissue causing your symptoms - without heat and without an abdominal incision.

The procedure is done under anesthesia at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

About the HYDROS Robotic System

HSHS St. Elizabeth’s recently upgraded to the HYDROS Robotic System, the next generation of Aquablation technology from PROCEPT BioRobotics. 

The HYDROS system brings together AI-guided planning, advanced imaging, and robotic precision in one streamlined platform, so your care team can deliver a more accurate, consistent procedure - regardless of your prostate size or shape.


Key Capabilities

  • FirstAssist AI™ reads your ultrasound images and recommends an individualized treatment plan before the procedure begins.
  • Advanced imaging, including next-generation ultrasound and digital cystoscopy, give your surgeon a clear, detailed view of your anatomy in real time.
  • Robotic Waterjet removes obstructive tissue with heat-free precision, protecting the structures around your prostate.

Is Aquablation Therapy Right for You?

Aquablation therapy is safe and effective for most men with BPH and it works for any prostate size. Your urologist will review your symptoms and health history to confirm it’s the right fit for you.

Take the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) Quiz to get a sense of how much BPH is affecting your daily life.


How to Get Started

Talk to your primary care physician or find a urologist at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s to find out if Aquablation therapy is right for you. 

You can also visit Aquablation.com for answers to frequently asked questions.


References
2. Gilling, P, et al. Three-Year Outcomes after Aquablation Therapy Compared to TURP: Results from a Blinded Randomized Trial. Can J Urol. 2020 Feb;27(1):10072-10079.
3. Bhojani, N, et al. Aquablation for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Large Prostates (80-150 cc): 1-Year Results. Urology. 2019 Jul;129:1-7.