Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common among men over 50. It occurs when the prostate gland, located just below the bladder, enlarges and presses against the urethra, causing urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and weak urine flow.

If you are experiencing urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate, seeking medical attention from your GP is important. After a full assessment, your GP may refer you to a urologist.

If you're a self-pay patient interested in this procedure then please contact us directly via our online booking form or call 01580 363158.

During the procedure, a robotic system is used to precisely target and remove the excess prostate tissue using high-velocity water jets. Using robotics and ultrasound your prostate can be surgically mapped and the treatment adjusted to your individual anatomy. The system has an integrated camera and probe which your surgeon inserts into your urethra and bladder.

The process takes about an hour to complete, and patients will typically need to stay one to two nights post-operation before returning home.

Aquablation® treatment offers several benefits over traditional surgical procedures for BPH, including:

• Low risk of sexual side effects: Unlike traditional surgical procedures, Aquablation® treatment does not usually affect sexual function
• Reduced recovery time and post procedure discomfort, sometimes seen with more traditional procedures
• Minimally invasive: No incisions or cuts are required, reducing the risk of complications, and shortening recovery time
• Precise: The robotic system allows for the precise removal of prostate tissue, minimising the risk of damage to surrounding tissues
• Effective: Aquablation® treatment supports rapid and significant improvement in urinary symptoms

As with any medical procedure, there are risks and potential side effects associated with Aquablation® treatment. These may include: 

• Urinary tract infection
• Temporary difficulty urinating
• Blood in urine
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder 

However, these side effects are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few weeks after the procedure.

Robotic-assisted Aquablation® treatment may be suitable for men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate. Your Consultant will perform a full assessment to determine whether this treatment is right for you. 

My name is Phillip Ralph, I live in Milton Keynes. I presently work full-time as a Contracts Manager as I was a self-payer for Aquablation®, which was completed on the 11 December 2023.

When did your symptoms start?

Through a total surprise, I had total bladder retention when I was on holiday in September 2023. I had to go to A&E in Norfolk, and I had a catheter fitted to enable me to urinate. And it came as a complete surprise to me.

At what point did you decide to book your initial urology consultation?

Matter of chance, I saw information about Aquablation® that I felt was only available in America. And to my surprise, I saw some information that Benenden Hospital in the UK actually offered this procedure, which was robotic and offered less side effects and a better recovery chance for me, as I was concerned that I did not want to have a catheter for the rest of my life.

What happened during your initial consultation?

I was very surprised I could see Mr Garnett within a week for an initial consultation. So, I was pleased to travel the distance from Milton Keynes to come down and see Mr Garnett.

On the actual day of the consultation, I brought my notes from my doctor, and he was very pleased to receive those notes and he actually discussed my symptoms and the procedures that were available.

He reassured me about understanding my problems and, to my surprise, he said he had an available appointment for surgery the following Monday.

He did explain about each procedure, but before I could make my final decision, he asked me to take some time to discuss what I really wanted.

The nursing staff were very, very helpful and very, very caring whilst, to their surprise, I was undergoing a pre op on the same day - although they just expected to have a chat over the possible options available to me. So, I was very, very happy and very, very pleased.

What did you think of the surroundings at Benenden Hospital?

Benenden Hospital is situated in nice countryside, and when you approach the hospital, it's so inviting with plenty of car parking facilities and there is no stress and there is no hassle and that puts your mind at ease from as soon as you walk in the door.

How has Aquablation® improved your life?

Aquablation® has made my life back to normal. It has given me my life back. I no longer have a catheter. I don't have any symptoms. I don't have any incontinence. I'm able to urinate absolutely perfectly. I don't have to go to the toilet frequently. It is as if I'd never experienced any problems. I am fully recovered, and I am so happy I chose Benenden and Aquablation®.

Would you recommend Benenden Hospital and Aquablation®?

The expertise is absolutely fantastic. The knowledge of the staff is second to none.

The Aquablation® treatment is first class. It is modern, it is robotic, it is accurate, and I have nothing more I can say. Please, please, please consider Aquablation® and Benenden Hospital. It is absolutely brilliant.

What would you advise people with similar symptoms to do?

Please see your local GP's surgery. Since I've returned to work, a number of my work colleagues have approached me to say they have similar symptoms, and it's surprising how many men suffer and don't talk to people.

And unfortunately, one gentleman said to me, I don't have the same symptoms that you have because I urinate quite regularly and in fact, probably more than I need to, but he didn't believe he had any symptoms.

Why did you choose Benenden Hospital?

Whilst I was researching the different treatments available to me for my symptoms, I also researched the hospitals available for those treatments. And I noticed that Benenden Hospital had received an Outstanding rating from the CQC for its services.

And that is very surprising, because of the many hospitals I reviewed, only Benenden had reached that outstanding level of service.

Because of my very, very pleasant and successful experience at Benenden Hospital, I've signed up for the loyalty scheme and I'm looking forward to looking at benefits I can gain from that scheme as the treatment here is so, so good and I would not hesitate to use the services of the hospital again.