Water jet treatment that can flush away prostate problems
MEN may soon be offered a new treatment for an enlarged prostate in which the gland is shrunk using high-powered water jets.
Health watchdog NICE has approved the use of so- called Aquablation therapy as an alternative to traditional surgery.
The minimally-invasive procedure cuts the risk of side effects by using a robotic system which fires water at the prostate from the urethra, killing tissue which is then removed.
NICE’s approval means the treatment can now be provided free on the NHS. But they stressed surgeons must tell patients the technology is in its infancy with relatively limited trial data. Privately it can cost £9,000.
Trials have shown Aquablation comes with fewer side effects than conventional surgery.
The approach is the latest in a series of non-invasive options in the treatment of enlarged prostate, which affects half of all men over 50.
An enlarged prostate commonly causes men repetitive night-time visits to the bathroom, only to find they cannot urinate. The problem is caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia – or BPH – in which an overgrown prostate presses the bladder. In extreme cases, men cannot urinate at all, leading to a dangerous build-up of toxins that can cause kidney problems.
Every year more than 18,000 men undergo transurethral resection of the prostate, or TURP, which can lead to loss of sexual function.
As the new system is automated, it is easier to teach surgeons the procedure and the risk of errors is minimised. Louise de Winter, of the Urology Foundation, said: ‘After thorough international trials, Aquablation is now being recommended for men in the UK and will give them a better chance at retaining full and active sex lives after BPH.’
The Mail revealed last month the NHS had approved a five-minute treatment where steam is inserted into the prostate.
An enlarged prostate is not linked to cancer, but symptoms can be similar – so most men with the problem are tested to make sure it is not cancerous.
Cuts the risk of side effects