Representative symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include a weak urine stream (decreased force of urination), intermittent urination where the stream stops and starts, a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying even after urinating, and frequent urination.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition that frequently affects middle-aged and elderly men and is known to be deeply associated with aging. Given that it directly leads to a decrease in the quality of life, it is advisable to visit a urology department for a detailed examination if symptoms are suspected.
The diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia is made through various examinations. First, a medical history is taken to confirm past medical history and current medications, and the severity of the urinary symptoms reported by the patient is assessed using the globally standardized International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). This is followed by a physical examination and a digital rectal examination (DRE) to check the prostate size and the presence of any nodules. Subsequently, a urinalysis is performed to check for hematuria and urinary tract infections, and a PSA test is conducted to evaluate the possibility of prostate cancer, all performed sequentially.
Notably, this technology has received US FDA approval and has also been recognized as a new medical technology in Korea, proving its safety and efficacy. Above all, unlike conventional Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP), it causes no thermal damage, thereby minimizing side effects on surrounding normal tissues.
Aquablation surgery involves precisely manipulating a robotic system to remove prostate tissue while simultaneously confirming the surgical site in real-time using ultrasound and endoscopy. Therefore, it is crucial that the medical team's experience is combined with precise planning of the resection area to deliver effective surgical outcomes.
In practice, surgery utilizing robotic equipment demands a high degree of technical accuracy and quick judgment. Therefore, the experience and expertise of the medical team are extremely important. Thorough concentration and know-how are essential to prevent errors during the process of real-time understanding of the prostate's structure via ultrasound and endoscopy, and the precise control of the robot. It is crucial to choose an experienced medical team to effectively handle all emergency situations.
Furthermore, for each individual patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate size or shape, the degree of bladder outlet obstruction, and the presence of complications can all vary. Accordingly, the medical team must accurately understand the specific characteristics of each individual patient and establish a customized treatment plan.
Director Ryu Kyung-ho of Goldman Urology Clinic, Gangnam Branch, stated, "The biggest advantage of Aquablation is that it does not use heat, which results in a very low probability of normal tissue damage and sequelae, and minimizes side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction that can occur with existing surgical methods." He added, "However, not all problems are solved solely by the device's technology; ultimately, it must be kept in mind that the success of the surgery depends on the proficiency of the operating surgeon."