In recent years, medical technology has made significant strides, ushering in innovative and less invasive treatments that have transformed the surgery landscape. Among these groundbreaking advancements, AquaBeam surgery has emerged as a revolutionary technique, gaining prominence in modern surgical practices.
AquaBeam Surgery: Aquablation Device and Surgical Procedure 1
AquaBeam surgery utilizes a high-pressure water jet to perform precise and delicate cuts during surgical procedures. This truly minimally invasive approach offers significant benefits over traditional surgical methods, including shorter recovery times, reduced risk of infections, and minimal side effects.
Figure 1: Intraoperative images of the Aquablation technique. The upper figure shows Initial ultrasound-guided contouring of the gland and the lower figure shows Results of water jet resection.
The AquaBeam system comprises three parts:
- A conformal planning unit (CPU) is the surgeon’s interface to plan the treatment.
- A console receives instructions from the CPU and controls and delivers the treatment.
- A robotic handpiece composed of reusable and disposable sterile parts delivers a saline stream to the target tissue.
Patient Experience and Recovery 1
The patient is placed in the lithotomy position under general or spinal anesthesia. The bladder is accessed transurethrally under vision using a custom 22-Fr rigid cystoscope secured using a bed-mounted rigid arm. A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe is inserted and fixed to a second bed-mounted arm. Under TRUS guidance, the surgeon maps the exact prostatic gland contours on a computer console to prevent any injury to the bladder, neck, ejaculatory ducts, and urinary sphincter.
Figure 2: The combination of a cystoscopic view and precise ultrasound definition of the prostatic contour allows precise identification and protection of the verumontanum and hence the sphincter.
A foot pedal activates an orthogonally positioned jet of high-velocity sterile saline that moves backward from the bladder to the verumontanum. The entire process is monitored via TRUS to ensure smooth visualized control. Once the treatment is complete, the transurethral and TRUS probes are removed, and the bladder is thoroughly rinsed to remove any residual floating tissue particles and blood. Specimens can be collected and sent for histological analysis. The procedure is then completed with electrocautery hemostasis, and a catheter is usually inserted.
Advantages of AquaBeam Surgery in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment 1
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition affecting aging men, underscores the importance of these advancements. BPH can significantly impact the quality of life, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or maintaining a steady stream, and a sense of incomplete bladder emptying.
One of the notable advantages of AquaBeam surgery is its minimally invasive nature. The procedure minimizes disruption to surrounding tissues, leading to quicker healing and less postoperative discomfort. Additionally, AquaBeam operates as a heat-free robotic technology that allows for a much higher chance of sexual life preservation, which is crucial for patients with BPH.
King Charles and AquaBeam Surgery: A Case Study 2
Recently, King Charles underwent surgery using AquaBeam technology to address BPH, showcasing his confidence in this advanced method. His choice to opt for this approach reflects the effectiveness of AquaBeam but also highlights the impact BPH can have on individuals, regardless of their status. King Charles’s case serves as a reminder that conditions like BPH are prevalent and can greatly affect the well-being of men. It emphasizes the importance of seeking help and exploring advanced treatments, such as AquaBeam, to alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Impact of AquaBeam Surgery on Urological Interventions 1
The HPA Urology Group has been at the forefront of complex and differentiated interventions for several years, performing various advanced procedures, including retrograde renal surgeries and laparoscopic prostatectomies. Last year, they performed a total intracorporeal robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (ileal conduit urinary diversion), showcasing the continuous evolution of urological interventions.
The introduction of robotic instruments in laparoscopic surgery has further enhanced patient outcomes, providing faster urinary sphincter control, shorter hospital stays, and reduced need for urine catheterization compared to open surgery. Robotic surgery has proven safer and more effective, improving functionality and quality of life for patients undergoing urological procedures.
Conclusion 1,2
In summary, AquaBeam surgery is transforming the landscape of surgery, offering a truly minimally invasive, heat-free alternative that is particularly beneficial in cases like BPH. King Charles’s experience underscores the confidence in this innovative technology and encourages individuals to prioritize their health by seeking advanced treatments. The continuous advancements in urological interventions, such as AquaBeam surgery and robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures, represent a significant milestone in modern medicine, offering patients safer and more effective treatment options.
References
- Nedbal C, Castellani D, Virgilio De Stefano, et al. Will Aquablation Be the New Benchmark for Robotic Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia? European Urology Focus. 2023 Dec 1; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2023.12.001
- AquaBeam surgery and the case of King Charles [Internet]. www.theportugalnews.com. [cited 2024 Feb 21]. Available from: https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-02-16/aquabeam-surgery-and-the-case-of-king-charles/86069
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