McLeod Regional Medical Center First in South Carolina to Perform Aquablation Therapy

McLeod Regional Medical Center

First in South Carolina to Perform Aquablation Therapy

McLeod Regional Medical Center is the first hospital in South Carolina to perform the Aquablation Therapy procedure for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

BPH, or an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate has grown to be larger than normal. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra causing symptoms like a weak urine stream or the need to push or strain to pass urine. If left untreated, BPH can cause significant health problems, including irreversible bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence.

BPH impacts each man differently, and some men may not experience any major symptoms. For most, first signs are changes in bathroom habits with urination:

·        Frequent urination, as often as every one to two hours

·        Weak or slow stream, or stream that starts and stops

·        Feeling of bladder not emptying completely

·        Delay in starting urination, or straining to start

·        Awakening frequently at night to urinate

When symptoms are severe enough to require more than routine monitoring, urologists may recommend one of multiple treatment options for BPH. These include medicines, minimally invasive treatments or surgical procedures.

Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive treatment utilizing automated tissue resection for the treatment of LUTS due to BPH. Aquablation therapy combines real-time, multi-dimensional imaging, automated robotics, and heat-free waterjet ablation for targeted, controlled, and immediate removal of prostate tissue. By using a cystoscope, a thin tube-like instrument used to look inside the bladder and urethra, and ultrasound imaging, surgeons can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s anatomy.

“We are excited to be the first in South Carolina to offer a solution for men with BPH that provides significant, long-lasting symptom relief with lower risk to their sexual function or continence,” said Dr. Ronald Glinski with McLeod Urology Associates. “Being able to offer Aquablation Therapy as an additional treatment option is the next step to furthering the McLeod commitment in robotic surgery and men’s health.

For more information, visit www.McLeodHealth.org.