New Aquablation® therapy treatment for enlarged prostates (BPH) available in Spire Bristol Hospital

• Patient says he is “back to enjoying life again” after treatment
• Spire Bristol only hospital to offer the robotic technology in Bristol or Bath
• Minimally invasive treatment lowers risk of loss of sexual function and incontinence versus alternatives for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 

Patients with enlarged prostates (BPH) can now benefit from new Aquablation® therapy treatment, following a significant investment in robotic surgery at Spire Bristol Hospital.

Aquablation® therapy is a minimally invasive treatment, combining robotic technology to guide a heat-free waterjet for precise tissue removal providing, consistent and long-term relief of an enlarged prostate no matter the size.

Many patients go home the same day, with a fast return to normal activity. It also lowers the risk of common side effects typically associated with alternative BPH treatments, such as loss of sexual function and incontinence.

Mr Anthony Abrams, a specialist in space industry science and electronics, received Aquablation® treatment with Spire. He was diagnosed by his GP with an enlarged prostate after suffering symptoms which had slowly progressed over a period of two years. Mr Abrams explains: “I investigated my treatment options, deciding on Aquablation®. This led me to Spire.”

Mr Abrams visited a Consultant Urologist for an initial consultation who agreed that Aquablation® was the best treatment choice for him based on his lifestyle and the outcomes he wanted to achieve.

Mr Abrams explains, “I’ve started gardening again, been on two holidays, and am back to enjoying my life. I have always loved to travel, and this wasn’t possible when my symptoms were at their most severe. I have absolutely no regrets and would recommend the procedure to anyone.”

Aquablation® therapy is now available to patients at Spire Bristol. Ann Hyde, Hospital Director, comments, “The introduction of Aquablation® therapy is a significant milestone for Spire Bristol Hospital and a major step forward for patients with enlarged prostates. This investment demonstrates Spire’s commitment to leading men’s health treatments, delivering meaningful benefits for our clinicians and the patients we treat.”

Jeremy Nettleton, Consultant Urologist, Spire Bristol, said: “This technology is designed to treat patients who are symptomatic from non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. These patients often have significant urinary symptoms, which can impact on their quality of life. This new technology has an excellent evidence base, demonstrating significant improvement in symptoms for patients. The technology has an excellent side effect profile with a very low risk of urinary incontinence when compared to similar procedures. In addition, there is a very low risk of sexual dysfunction from this procedure.

This technology compliments existing treatments at the Spire Bristol. The procedure allows clinicians to offer more choice to patients and is the first robot of this type in Bristol or Bath.” 

Consultant Urologist Jeremy Nettleton using Aquablation® robotic technology at Spire Bristol Hospital.