Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological disease that frequently affects middle-aged and older men, characterized by not only urinary discomfort but also a significant decline in overall quality of life. Typical symptoms include a weakened or interrupted urinary stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (post-void dribbling), and frequent urination. Therefore, if symptoms are suspected, it is crucial not to neglect them but to visit a urology department for a precise examination.
Before treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, identifying the exact cause is the first step in treatment, achieved through various examinations such as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA test, uroflowmetry and post-void residual volume measurement, and ultrasound examination.
Aquablation surgery is a treatment method that has recently been widely adopted. Commonly referred to as 'waterjet robotic surgery,' its core principle involves using a high-pressure water jet to remove prostate tissue without thermal damage. This treatment method is highly significant because, unlike conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), it can effectively improve symptoms while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding tissues.
Aquablation surgery has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and its safety and efficacy have already been proven, as it has also been recognized as a new medical technology in Korea. A particular advantage is that, because it does not use heat, the probability of complications such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction is low.
However, a crucial prerequisite accompanies a successful aquablation treatment process: the proficiency of the medical team. Aquablation is a surgical procedure that precisely resects prostate tissue based on robotic equipment and ultrasound/endoscopic imaging. Therefore, the operating surgeon must possess a thorough understanding of the prostate's structure and the ability to precisely control the robot. If this is not the case, the outcome is bound to be different. This is because, no matter how advanced technology becomes, it is ultimately humans who operate the machines.
For each patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate size, shape, degree of bladder outlet obstruction, and co-existing diseases all vary. Accordingly, how the surgical plan is formulated determines the treatment outcome. Experienced medical professionals can accurately identify the patient's specific characteristics, design the optimal resection area, and respond swiftly even in unexpected situations.
Director Jo Jung-ho of Goldman Urology Clinic Gangnam Branch stated, "To fully benefit from the effects of aquablation treatment, the touch of skilled medical professionals is absolutely necessary, in addition to advanced equipment." He added, "In other words, patients should first consider who is performing the surgery rather than just the name of the surgical method, as this is a crucial, undeniable core aspect in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia."