Long-Term Data Shows Lasting Benefits of Aquablation for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Recent data from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Potomac Urology highlight the promising potential of Aquablation therapy as a new standard in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) across various prostate sizes. These findings were showcased at the 2024 American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.

Reza Zadno, CEO of PROCEPT BioRobotics, emphasized the significance of these results, noting that 12 abstracts presented at the AUA meeting validated the safety and long-term effectiveness of Aquablation therapy for men suffering from symptomatic BPH, irrespective of prostate size or shape. This growing body of real-world evidence underscores that Aquablation therapy is setting a new benchmark in urological care.

A critical study from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai examined four-year outcomes of Aquablation therapy in 275 adult men with moderate to severe BPH. The study included patients with prostate volumes ranging from 38 to 293 mL, with an average volume of 108.3 mL. Significant findings included:
- A reduction in mean prostate volume from 108.3 mL to 66.2 mL, a 38.9% decrease.
- Improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) from 24.2 at baseline to 7.1 after four years.
- An increase in peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) from 6.1 mL/sec to 17.1 mL/sec.
- Preservation of antegrade ejaculation in 99% of men.
- A low surgical retreatment rate of 1.8%.

Dr. Steven Kaplan from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai underscored the importance of this data, stating that BPH affects most aging men. Historically, treatments have struggled to balance symptom relief with the preservation of sexual function and urinary continence. This extensive single-center study demonstrates Aquablation therapy’s long-term efficacy in managing BPH.

Another significant study from Potomac Urology involved three surgeons who collected data on 812 consecutive men treated with Aquablation therapy. This three-year case series focused on routine procedural characteristics, adverse events, symptom scores, and uroflow. Key results included:
- Mean age, IPSS, Qmax, and prostate volume were 69 ± 8, 21 ± 7, 11 ± 6, and 77 mL, respectively.
- IPSS scores of 7 or less were observed at 8, 12, 24, and 36 months.
- Among patients in preoperative retention, 94% passed their trial of voids.
- A secondary intervention rate of 1.6% due to recurrent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Dr. Shawn Marhamati of Potomac Urology highlighted that Aquablation therapy balances the efficacy and durability of resective procedures with the safety and tolerability of minimally invasive methods. The treatment of over 800 men with Aquablation therapy reinforces its effectiveness.

Additional research presented at the AUA meeting included:
- A five-year update comparing Aquablation therapy to traditional TURP for different prostate sizes, demonstrating durable outcomes and low retreatment rates for BPH.
- An evaluation of 31,944 procedures from 2019 to 2023, which confirmed consistent adoption of Aquablation therapy across varied prostate sizes with minimal bleeding risk.
- A study on day case Aquablation at an ambulatory surgical center, which showed that same-day discharge is a safe and effective approach for symptom relief and patient satisfaction.

Aquablation therapy, developed by PROCEPT BioRobotics, employs ultrasound-guided, robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet technology to treat BPH. This method allows for personalized treatment planning, targeting specific prostate areas while preserving erectile function, ejaculatory function, and continence. The precision of robotic-assisted execution ensures controlled removal of prostate tissue, providing a safe and effective solution for men suffering from BPH.