A minimally-invasive procedure is helping patients at ECU Health feel more comfortable treating their benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Aquablation therapy treats lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH, a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and leads to various urinary symptoms. Without timely treatment, BPH can cause severe health issues like permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and loss of control over the bladder
Common symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, inability to completely empty the bladder and dribbling at the end of urination. BPH is particularly common among older men, affecting one of every two men between the ages of 51 and 60
“BPH is one of the most common issues to affect men as we get older,” said Dr. J. Nathaniel Hamilton, chief of urology, ECU Health
Aquablation therapy is an ultrasound guided, robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet for the treatment of BPH. The system’s real-time ultrasound imaging provides the surgeon with a multi-dimensional view of the prostate enabling personalized treatment planning tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. A jet of water is sent through a patient’s urethra to remove prostate tissue without the need for an incision and without impact to the anatomy that controls sexual function
“New technology is always being developed for treatment in that space,” said Dr. Hamilton. “At ECU Health, we always strive to have the latest and greatest relton said. “Patients and their spouses are pleased that Aquablation helps address this common prostate issue without needing to make difficult sacrifices in their relationships.”
ECU Health started Aquablation in late January of 2025 and performed over 150 procedures within the first few months of the technology being available to patients
Furthermore, Dr. Hamilton said clinicians can perform Aquablation faster than certain other procedures, which allows surgeons to address more cases and keeps patients from being under anesthesia for a prolonged period of time
“The best patient is one who has significant urinary symptom and has not responded well to medications but doesn’t have a prostate large enough to require a simple prostatectomy, where we go in and remove the middle of the prostate gland,” Dr. Hamilton said. “Most of my patients are coming back saying they feel great, their bladder feels empty and they are not waking up at night anymore.”
ECU Health continues to perform the most Aquablation procedures in North Carolina east of Raleigh. With the procedure becoming more well-known, Dr. Hamilton said that its use will vary from person to person and that treatment is ultimately dependent on individual patients’ needs
“We investigate what treatment works best for patients on an individual, case-by-case basis, and Aquablation may not be right for everybody,” Dr. Hamilton said. “When patients hear about the treatment or read about it, even if it’s not the right fit for them, I think it’s a great thing to get folks in the door and start a conversation about their prostate health.”
Patient’s interested in learning more about prostate care at ECU Health can visit Urology – ECU Health
