A groundbreaking procedure utilizing a robot-assisted waterjet technique has enabled the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust to treat an unprecedented number of prostate patients in a single day. On October 18, the trust performed a record 12 procedures for men suffering from enlarged prostates, a condition medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
This innovative treatment, known as Aquablation therapy, allows most patients to return home just hours after their procedure, presenting a promising solution to the lengthy waiting times often faced in the NHS.
Enlarged prostate is a frequent non-cancerous ailment among older men, which can lead to significant urinary issues and sleep disturbances. Patients frequently endure long waits for treatment, sometimes extending to several months.
According to the trust, on the record-setting day, 11 of the 12 men treated were discharged on the same day, referred to as a “day case.” One of the patients, Nigel Howlett, aged 68 from Farnham, Surrey, expressed relief after undergoing the procedure, having waited 18 months for treatment. “I”ve lived with this for a long time, including a significant lack of sleep and then not drinking enough liquids to try and prevent the need to urinate,” Mr. Howlett shared. “It might not be one of the most crucial procedures for the NHS, but it has greatly affected my quality of life.”
Mr. Howlett felt “fine” post-surgery and was hopeful about the improvement in his symptoms. He stated, “This day was a very good idea to help patients like me who have waited too long.”
Statistics indicate that one in three men over 50 experiences symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as increased urgency and difficulty emptying the bladder. This figure rises to approximately 70 to 80 percent for men over 75.
While most men with urinary symptoms do not require surgical intervention, initial management often involves lifestyle changes, medications, or urinary catheters. If these methods fail, surgical options, including the common transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), may be considered. Unlike TURP, which typically requires more extensive recovery, Aquablation therapy employs a high-pressure waterjet and imaging technology to effectively reduce excess prostate tissue without the use of heat, leading to fewer side effects and shorter recovery times.
Frimley Health has been at the forefront of this technology in England, pioneering the robotic Aquablation procedure and leading clinical trials that contributed to its development. Over the past five years, the trust has conducted more than 500 Aquablation procedures, the highest number within the NHS.
Neil Barber, a consultant urological surgeon and clinical lead for urology at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, noted the growing demand for this treatment, stating, “We usually perform a maximum of three Aquablation procedures in one half-day operating list per week. However, growing demand from both local patients and those referred from further afield is increasing the waiting list.” He emphasized the procedure”s efficiency and predictability, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce waiting periods. “Thanks to the incredible hard work of our surgical team, the day was a huge success,” Barber concluded, highlighting the potential to enhance patient care in the future.
