BPH is a common urological condition in middle-aged men that significantly degrades quality of life. Symptoms include a weak or intermittent urine stream, persistent residual urine sensation, and frequent urination. Comprehensive diagnostics—including IPSS scoring, PSA testing, uroflowmetry, and ultrasound—are the essential first step in treatment.
One increasingly popular treatment is Aquablation surgery, commonly known as "robotic waterjet surgery." It uses a high-pressure water jet to remove prostate tissue without any thermal (heat) damage. Unlike conventional TURP, Aquablation effectively improves symptoms while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. It has received FDA approval and is recognized as a new medical technology in Korea, with a notably lower risk of complications such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
However, there is one critical prerequisite for success: the skill and experience of the medical team. Aquablation relies on robotic equipment combined with ultrasound and endoscopic imaging to precisely excise prostate tissue. The surgeon must possess a thorough understanding of prostate anatomy and the ability to control the robotic system with precision—because no matter how advanced the technology, it is ultimately the human operator who determines the outcome.
Every BPH patient differs in prostate size, shape, and degree of bladder outlet obstruction. The surgical plan must be carefully tailored to each individual, and this planning directly determines the clinical outcome. An experienced surgeon can accurately assess a patient's unique characteristics, design the optimal resection plan, and respond swiftly to unexpected intraoperative developments.
Dr. Jo Jeong-ho of Goldman Urology (Gangnam branch) advised, "To fully benefit from Aquablation, experienced medical personnel are absolutely essential alongside the advanced equipment. Patients should examine who is performing the surgery, not just the name of the procedure—that is the core consideration in BPH treatment that cannot be overlooked."