On April 5th, Pikeville Medical Center Urologists were the first in the region to perform the Aquablation procedure to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Aquablation is a minimally invasive procedure using waterjet technology performed by the AquaBeam Robotic System, the first FDA-cleared, surgical robot utilizing automated tissue resection for the treatment of LUTS due to BPH. Aquablation therapy combines real-time, multi-dimensional imaging, automated robotics and heat-free waterjet ablation for targeted, controlled and immediate removal of prostate tissue. It is the only procedure that combines a camera (cystoscope) with ultrasound imaging, which allows surgeons to see the entire prostate in real
time, unlike other surgical procedures which only use a camera.
With Aquablation therapy, surgeons can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy.
With this procedure, ultrasound imaging is used to map which parts of the prostate need to be removed. Once the map is complete, the robotically controlled water jet ablates the prostate tissue, avoiding critical structures to preserve sexual function and continence. Proven in numerous clinical studies, Aquablation therapy offers predictable and reproducible outcomes, independent of prostate anatomy, prostate size or surgeon experience.
“We are proud to be the first in our region to offer a solution for men with BPH that provides significant, long-lasting symptom relief with lower risk to their sexual function or continence,” said PMC Urologist Dustin Gayheart, MD. “Aquablation therapy is the next step to furthering our commitment to utilize robotic surgery to treat issues affecting men’s health.”
BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate has grown to be larger than normal. Statistics show that 1 in 2 men ages 51 to 60 have BPH, and the incidence increases every decade of life. If left untreated, BPH can cause significant health problems, including irreversible bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.
“At Pikeville Medical Center, we are committed to meeting the healthcare needs of our community,” explained PMC Chairman, President and CEO Donovan Blackburn.
“Utilizing cutting-edge technology and offering advanced procedures such as this, coupled with a highly experienced physician team, allow PMC to offer patients in our region access to quality healthcare close to home.”
Pikeville Medical Center continues to be a medical leader in the region by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and offering advanced procedures. For more information about Urology services offered at Pikeville Medical Center visit https://www.pikevillehospital.org/services/urology/.
