If you're a man experiencing frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, or a weak urinary stream, you may be dealing with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These symptoms can be frustrating and impact your quality of life.
In Nashville, there's an innovative and effective treatment for BPH known as robotic aquablation. This blog will provide comprehensive insights into BPH and why having a robotic aquablation in Nashville with Pazona MD Urology might be the solution you need.
What is BPH or Enlarged Prostate?
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition that affects many men as they age. The prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system, surrounds the urethra and tends to enlarge over time. While the exact cause of BPH is not entirely understood, it is believed to be related to hormonal changes as men get older.
An enlarged prostate can lead to a variety of urinary symptoms because it can press against the urethra and restrict the flow of urine. These symptoms can include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urinary stream
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
These symptoms can significantly affect daily life and overall well-being, making it important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have BPH. Lucky for you, Pazona MD Urology has expertise in treating BPH in Nashville.
Why Should I Seek Medical Attention for BPH?
Ignoring BPH can lead to several complications, some of which can be serious. Here are a few reasons why you should seek medical attention for BPH:
1. Preventing Complications
Untreated BPH can lead to serious bladder or kidney problems. When left untreated, the bladder can “shut down” resulting in urinary retention, or the inability to urinate. This may require an emergency medical intervention like a urinary catheter (ugh).
In rare situations, BPH can also lead to:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder stones
- Kidney failure
2. Improving Quality of Life
BPH symptoms can disrupt sleep, work, and daily activities. Effective treatment can significantly improve your quality of life. Medications can help for periods of time, but they often have side effects. If you’d rather get your BPH symptoms solved, then a robotic aquablation in Nashville with Pazona MD Urology may be the solution for you.
3. Preventing Bladder Damage
Over time, BPH can cause the bladder to weaken and lose the ability to empty completely. If the bladder muscle becomes permanently damaged, then there is no way to fix it .But fear not! You’re in good hands in getting your BPH treated in Nashville at Pazona MD. We can help before the bladder muscle gets injured.
4. Assessing Other Conditions
BPH symptoms can mimic other conditions, including prostate cancer. Seeking medical attention ensures that any serious conditions are diagnosed and treated appropriately. Don’t worry, we will do a thorough evaluation including ruling out cancer.
I’m Ready to Fix My BPH! What is Robotic Aquablation?
Robotic aquablation is a cutting-edge treatment for BPH that combines the precision of robotics with the safety of water. This minimally invasive procedure uses a robotically controlled waterjet to remove the excess prostate tissue that is causing urinary symptoms. Think of it as a pressure washer meets a windshield wiper.
1. Robot-Assisted Precision
The procedure is performed using a robotic system that provides high precision and control. This minimizes the risk of damaging surrounding tissues. The robotic software ensures that all of the BPH tissue is removed without leading to erectile dysfunction or urinary leakage. By removing the human element of a surgery, we can walk that fine line between fixing your BPH while minimizing complications.
2. Waterjet Technology
A high-velocity waterjet is used to ablate, or remove, the excess prostate tissue. The waterjet is highly controlled and precise, reducing the risk of complications. Since no heat is used, the delicate nerves outside the prostate capsule, which lead to erections, are not damaged.
3. Real-Time Imaging
The procedure is guided by real-time ultrasound imaging, allowing the surgeon to see exactly where and how much tissue needs to be removed. This ensures a high level of accuracy and safety. We can plan the course of treatment to remove all the BPH.
Why Should I Consider Robotic Aquablation in Nashville with Pazona MD Urology?
Robotic aquablation offers several advantages over traditional BPH treatments, making it a compelling option for many men. Here are some reasons to consider robotic aquablation:
1. Minimally Invasive
Robotic aquablation does not involve any incisions, which means less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery times. While you are under complete (general) anesthesia, a scope is placed in the urethra to perform the procedure. Simultaneously, an ultrasound is placed in the rectum to visualize the prostate during the waterjet ablation. Don’t worry, it will be removed before you wake up (and your bum shouldn’t be too sore ;).
2. Precision and Accuracy
The use of robotic technology and real-time imaging ensures that only the excess prostate tissue is removed, preserving the surrounding structures and reducing the risk of complications. All other BPH treatments involve a human element which increases the likelihood of removing too little or too much prostate tissue.
3. Effective Symptom Relief
Clinical studies have shown that robotic aquablation provides significant and long-lasting relief from BPH symptoms. You can expect a stronger urinary stream, less frequent urination, and less urinary urgency. This symptom relief peaks at 3 months after the procedure and lasts for years. At 3 years, the retreatment rate is < 2%.
4. Lower Risk of Sexual Dysfunction
Traditional BPH treatments, such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), carry a risk of sexual side effects. Robotic aquablation has a lower risk of impacting sexual function. Because the waterjet is heatless, the penile nerves outside the prostate cannot be injured. There have not been any reported cases of erectile dysfunction after a robotic aquablation in Nashville and beyond.
Whereas loss of ejaculation is very common after a TURP (75%), with a robotic aquablation, we can plan the treatment to avoid injury to the ejaculatory ducts. Ejaculation is preserved in 80-90% of robotic aquablation procedures.
5. Suitable for Larger Prostates
Robotic aquablation can be used to treat larger prostates that might be difficult to manage with other minimally invasive procedures. Most prostates are 25-30 g or the size of a ping pong ball. A prostate is considered to be “large” if it is over 100 g (size of a small plum). At these larger sizes, many other prostate surgeries are ineffective or risky. The beauty of a robotic aquablation is that it can treat prostates large and small.
What are the Side Effects and Risks of Robotic Aquablation in Nashville?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks associated with robotic aquablation. However, it is generally considered to be a safe and effective treatment for BPH. Some of the potential side effects and risks include:
1. Bleeding
There may be some urinary bleeding during or after the procedure. This is usually mild and temporary. To prevent serious bleeding, the prostate is cauterized after the waterjet is done removing BPH tissue. A special catheter is then placed while you’re still under anesthesia to hold pressure against the prostate blood vessels. We can also flush saline through the bladder to prevent blood clots. This catheter will be removed in our office after a few days.
2. Urinary Symptoms
Some men may experience temporary urinary symptoms, such as urgency or discomfort during urination, following the procedure. In some cases, your bladder was obstructed for several years. It makes sense then that the bladder can take some time to return to normal. However, most men will notice a significant improvement in urinary symptoms by 6-12weeks after a robotic aquablation in Nashville.
3. Infection
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. You will receive antibiotics while under anesthesia to minimize this risk. If you develop an infection (UTI), then this can usually be managed with antibiotics.
It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor to understand how they apply to your specific situation and to make an informed decision about your treatment options.
What are the Outcomes with Robotic Aquablation in Nashville?
The outcomes of robotic aquablation are generally very positive. Many men experience significant and lasting relief from their BPH symptoms. Here are some of the key outcomes associated with this treatment:
1. Sustained Symptom Relief with an Improved Quality of Life
2. Quick Recovery with Low Complication Rates
The precision of robotic technology and the safety of waterjet ablation result in low rates of complications and side effects.
Conclusion
If you are struggling with the symptoms of BPH and are seeking an effective and minimally invasive treatment option in Nashville, robotic aquablation may be the solution you need. This innovative procedure offers precise symptom relief with a lower risk of complications and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional methods.
Seeking medical attention for BPH is crucial to prevent complications and improve your quality of life. With robotic aquablation, you can experience significant and lasting relief from your symptoms, allowing you to regain control and enjoy life to the fullest.
If you're interested in learning more about robotic aquablation and how it can benefit you, schedule a consultation with our team at Pazona MD Urology in Nashville, Brentwood, or Cookeville. We can provide personalized advice and guide you through your treatment options to find the best solution for your needs.
Don't let BPH hold you back. Explore the benefits of robotic aquablation and take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable life.
