Aquablation therapy uses heat-free high-speed water jet to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that affects half of men aged 51-60
Patients who have undergone a new robotic procedure for the treatment of enlarged prostate have reported significant improvements in their quality of life.
Aquablation therapy, a robotically-assisted, minimally invasive procedure, uses heat-free high-speed water jet to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The robotic treatment for enlarged prostate has been piloted in the Republic of Ireland for the first time through a partnership with an Irish-based company and the Mater Hospital in Dublin.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition affecting one-in-two men aged 51- 60 in Ireland, with prevalence increasing sharply with age. If not treated, an enlarged prostate can lead to severe symptoms such as acute urinary retention.
Aquablation therapy is guided by real-time ultrasound imaging to precisely remove excess prostate tissue while helping to preserve sexual function and urinary continence.
After the procedure was introduced for patients in Ulster University Hospital in Belfast last year, Irish medical device distributor Healthcare 21 have since partnered with Procept BioRobotics to introduce this new treatment to the Republic of Ireland.
Patients who have undergone the treatment have reported benefits including reduced symptoms, better sleep and greater freedom in their daily activities.
Joseph O’Reilly from Ballymun was one of the first patients to have the procedure in the Mater. “For two years I couldn’t go anywhere without constantly looking for a toilet. I wouldn’t even have a cup of tea if I was out,” he said.
“I got very little sleep as I was waking up three to five times every night. Now I’m sleeping well again and I’m even off the medication. I’m able to travel from Dublin to West Cork to see my son and grandchildren, spending more than four hours on a bus to get there which is unbelievable for me. The procedure has made a huge difference to my life.”
Marking Men’s Health Week, Healthcare 21 showcased the innovative technology during a recent visit to its offices by Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment Frank Feighan.
“It is inspiring to see the recent partnership with the urology team in the Mater hospital Dublin and the wider health service to bring cutting-edge solutions such as Aquablation that have such a meaningful impact on men’s health in Ireland,” said the Minister.
“The commitment of the Healthcare 21 team to improving patient outcomes, supporting frontline staff, and driving efficiencies in care is evident and I am proud to see this level of innovation and collaboration to ensure patients benefit from these advances in the years ahead.”
Healthcare 21 CEO Edel O’Sullivan added: “Conditions such as enlarged prostate are incredibly common but often under-discussed despite the significant effect they can have on men’s health and wellbeing.
“Our recent pilot in the Mater Hospital Dublin showcases how we’re helping to ensure that patients like Joseph have access to treatments that can transform outcomes and support more efficient delivery of care and ultimately improve lives.”