Aquablation Procedure

What is Aquablation and How Does It Treat an Enlarged Prostate?

Aquablation is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment for men with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement that can block urine flow. It uses a robotically guided, high-pressure waterjet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue.

Performed through the urethra, the procedure avoids external cuts, leading to a quicker and smoother recovery compared with traditional prostate surgery.

BPH affects around 50% of men over 50 and up to 80% of men over 70. Aquablation is highly effective, particularly for larger prostates that may be challenging to treat with conventional methods, restoring a more natural urine flow.

Aquablation Proceedure with Dr  Edward  Calleja

Dr Edward Calleja is a highly regarded Consultant Urologist based in Sussex. Treating both NHS and private patients, he specialises in advanced urinary and prostate treatments, including Aquablation therapy.

This minimally invasive, robotically guided procedure provides effective, long-lasting relief from:

• Slow or weak urine flow
• Urgency (sudden need to urinate)
• Frequent urination
• Nocturia (night-time urination)
• Hesitancy (difficulty starting)
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Dribbling

Compared with traditional surgery, Aquablation offers faster recovery, fewer complications and a greater likelihood of preserving urinary and sexual function, allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly.

Book a Consultation

If you would like more information about Aquablation or want to find out whether you are a suitable candidate, contact us today to book a consultation or use our simple online booking system.

Information About Aquablation

Who is Aquablation for?

Aquablation is suitable for men who:

• Have moderate to severe urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate
• Have a large prostate, or one with a shape that makes conventional treatments less effective
• Wish to preserve sexual function (erection, ejaculation) and urinary continence
• Prefer a modern, minimally invasive, robot-assisted alternative to traditional surgery

Suitability is determined after a thorough assessment by a urology specialist, including prostate imaging and urine flow tests.

Why choose Aquablation?

• Robotic precision & personalised mapping: Using cystoscopic and ultrasound imaging, the surgeon targets only the problematic tissue while protecting nerves critical for urinary and sexual function.
• Gentle, heat-free tissue removal: The high-pressure waterjet removes tissue without heat, reducing the risk of nerve or muscle damage.
• Effective, long-lasting relief: Aquablation alleviates urinary symptoms even in large or irregularly shaped prostates.
• Lower risk of complications: Compared to traditional surgery, Aquablation has fewer long-term side effects such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction.
• Fast recovery & short hospital stay: Procedures typically take 30–45 minutes. Most patients are discharged the same day or after an overnight stay, returning to normal activities within days to weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How effective is Aquablation?

A: Studies show that over 90% of men maintain symptom improvement 5 years after treatment, with a retreatment rate of under 5%. Patients report high satisfaction, improved quality of life and better preservation of sexual function compared with traditional surgery.

Q: Is Aquablation painful?

A: Most men experience only mild discomfort. Temporary burning when passing urine is common for a few days.

Q: How soon will I notice an improvement?

A: Most patients notice improvement within 1–2 weeks, with full results by 6–12 weeks.

Q: Can Aquablation treat very large prostates?

A: Yes. It is effective for prostates over 80–150 ml and results for prostates above 150 ml are very promising.

Q: Is it safe for older men?

A: Yes. Shorter anaesthesia and reduced bleeding make Aquablation suitable for men in their 70s and 80s.

Q: How much does Aquablation cost in the UK?

A: Costs vary by hospital but typically include surgeon and anaesthetist fees, hospital charges, robotic equipment and pre and post procedure assessments.

Q: Will Aquablation affect my erections?

A: Erections are preserved in nearly all men, as the procedure protects nerve-rich tissue from heat.

If you would like more information about Aquablation or want to find out whether you are a suitable candidate, contact us today to book a consultation with Dr Edward Calleja.