Cromwell Hospital
Cromwell Hospital has launched Aquablation therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robotically controlled waterjet to treat a symptomatic enlarged prostate.
An enlarged prostate is common in men over the age of 50, and while it’s unlikely to be cancerous or mean you’re more likely to get prostate cancer, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are very similar to those associated with the disease.
Cromwell Hospital emphasises the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate, particularly as they’re so similar to prostate cancer, and seeking medical advice if you experience any of the following: difficulty starting to pee, having a weak flow of urine, stopping and starting while peeing, needing to pee urgently, or more regularly, needing to go during the night and accidentally leaking urine.
Aquablation therapy is an effective treatment for symptoms of an enlarged prostate that uses an advanced robotic system called AquaBeam. It combines real-time imaging, automated robotic technology, and a heat-free waterjet to remove obstructive prostate tissue precisely safely and effectively.
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Clinical trials have shown the technology is less likely to lead to side effects than other comparable treatments, in turn improving patient outcomes and their quality of life.
“I’m very pleased to be running the Aquablation service here at Cromwell Hospital. Since introducing this procedure into the UK, we’ve seen many benefits for those who have had the treatment, including speed and accuracy of the procedure as well as a faster return to normal activities. It is also less likely to cause damage to surrounding healthy tissues because it offers greater precision that other treatments for an enlarged prostate," said Mr Neil Barber, Consultant Urological Surgeon, who introduced the procedure to the UK in 2016.
Barber continued: “Many patients are often worried about the consequences of treatment on their sexual function. Aquablation therapy offers a lower rate of irreversible complications, such as incontinence, ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction, which is a real benefit to them.”
Philip Luce, CEO at Cromwell Hospital added: “We’re delighted to be offering Aquablation therapy at Cromwell Hospital. We’re always looking for new ways in which we can introduce innovative new treatments and technologies at the hospital so we’re meeting our patients ever changing needs. I’m very pleased we’ve got Mr Neil Barber onboard to lead the team in delivering this service.”
