aquablation

[Blindbeggar83]

has anyone had this procedure for enlarged prostate?

how long did you have anything for?

Has your urine function returned to normal? how long did it take to do so.

How long was the procedure itself?

many thanks!

[MenShouldSpeakUp]

Did not have aquablation but had steam ablation which my Doc said was less aggressive and therefore presumably safer (less able to damage parts of prostate to be avoided). My experience with steam ablation was pretty bad. Could not pee for weeks after - was catheterized for three weeks; was told it would be 3 days. Two trips to emergency room, including one for UTI. Would never have done it if I was told that type recovery was possible.

If I had it to do over, I would seriously look into a PAE (prostatic artery embolization), or just wait and use pharmaceutical relief for another year or two while (I'm told) several new, and better, procedures are being developed for BPH treatment.

Best of luck to you in whatever direction you decide.

[BillUSA]

I have had Aquablation and also steam ablation (Rezum) that the other poster mentioned. Summary notes follow.

Steam ablation (Rezum) - Had done May, 2017, at age 61. Prostate was 54 cm3. Received 7 steam injections, 3 left, 3 right, 1 in center prostate lobe. Did not require a catheter, although I did self-cath once. Took about 2 months until I could urinate fairly normally and sex was back to normal. Urine flow rate was better than before the procedure, but not fantastic.

Aquablation - Urination became gradually worse until in July, 2023, I had a consult with another urologist. Aquablation was recommended and this was done in September, 2023. Starting prostate size was 45 cm3. After Aquablation, it was 15 cm3. (Note: The issue was that the center lobe pushed up into the bladder. Seeing the situation on the screen during a cystoscopy, it was a wonder that I could urinate at all.) Had a catheter for 6 days. After it was removed, flow was very good. However, by late November, flow had decreased dramatically and I was leaking blood and urine. Told the doctor's office something was amiss and they had me come in immediately, 11/27. It turns out that I had a bladder stone stuck in my urethra. I also had a bunch of bladder stones in my bladder. This was probably my fault for waiting a year or two before letting someone know of my slowing stream after my last procedure. I went back the next day, 11/28. They put me out and took out all of the bladder stones. (I hope.) Flow was very good, but the frequency of urination was pretty short. I started out having to go when the volume was about 100ml initially. This worked up to 200ml by the end of December. Now it is up to 300ml until I really have to go. First sex after Aquablation was early December. The sensation was normal, but the volume of ejaculate was negligible, if any at all. I guess this is what happens when two-thirds of your prostate is removed. At this point, though, I'm not looking to father any more children, so this is okay.

For me, Aquablation was the better procedure for urine flow improvement and Rezum proved less of a change to my sex life. Hope this helps your selection process.

Bill