Typical symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include a weak urinary stream, known as decreased urinary flow, interrupted urination where the stream stops and starts, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying after urination, and frequent urination.
BPH is a common condition among middle-aged and older men and is closely associated with aging. Because it can significantly affect quality of life, individuals who suspect symptoms should visit a urology clinic for a thorough evaluation.
The diagnosis of BPH is made through a series of examinations. First, a medical history interview is conducted to review previous illnesses and medications. The severity of urinary symptoms is then assessed using the internationally standardized International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). A physical examination and digital rectal examination are performed to evaluate the size of the prostate and check for any nodules. Additional tests include a urinalysis to detect blood in the urine or urinary tract infection and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to assess the possibility of prostate cancer.
Among the available treatment options, aquablation surgery has gained attention in recent years. This procedure has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has also been recognized as a new medical technology in Korea, demonstrating both safety and effectiveness. Unlike the conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), aquablation does not rely on heat, which helps minimize damage to surrounding normal tissues.
During aquablation surgery, the treatment area is monitored in real time using ultrasound and endoscopic imaging while a robotic system precisely removes the enlarged prostate tissue. For this reason, effective surgical outcomes depend on both the surgeon’s experience and careful planning of the area to be treated.
Surgery using robotic equipment requires a high level of technical precision and quick clinical judgment. Therefore, the experience and expertise of the medical team are extremely important. The surgeon must accurately interpret the structure of the prostate through ultrasound and endoscopic images in real time and control the robotic system precisely while avoiding errors. Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience is important in order to respond appropriately to any unexpected situation during the procedure.
In addition, every patient with BPH presents with different characteristics, including prostate size and shape, the degree of bladder outlet obstruction, and the presence of complications. As a result, physicians must carefully evaluate each patient’s condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.
Dr. Ryu Kyung-ho of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Gangnam branch explained that one of the greatest advantages of aquablation is that it does not use heat, which significantly reduces the risk of damage to normal tissues and lowers the likelihood of complications such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction that may occur with conventional surgical methods. However, he emphasized that advanced technology alone cannot guarantee successful outcomes, noting that the ultimate success of the surgery still depends largely on the experience and skill of the surgeon performing the procedure.