madman
Super Moderator
Adoption of New Treatment Modalities to Treat BPH
Panelist discusses how urologists can benefit from adopting newer treatment modalities like aqua ablation for BPH, emphasizing its growing popularity, ease of learning, and efficiency in improving patient throughput, while still allowing urologists to leverage their existing skills.
Panelist discusses how urologists can benefit from adopting newer treatment modalities like aqua ablation for BPH, emphasizing its growing popularity, ease of learning, and efficiency in improving patient throughput, while still allowing urologists to leverage their existing skills.
Advice for Urologists Considering Aqua Ablation for BPH Treatment
- Growing popularity: Aqua ablation is rapidly gaining momentum and is expected to continue growing in popularity as a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While it doesn’t yet hold the largest share of the market, its adoption rate is outpacing other procedures.
- Ease of learning: Even experienced urologists with a strong background in transurethral resection of the prostate procedures will find aqua ablation relatively easy to learn. The learning curve is manageable, with around 20 procedures recommended to become proficient. It’s suggested to perform at least 9 procedures in the first 90 days to build confidence.
- Training and support: Excellent training and support are available through Procept, the company behind aqua ablation. Knowledgeable trainers are eager to help urologists succeed, and all cases are recorded for review. This support extends to both early-career residents and more experienced practitioners.
- Procedure adaptability: Start with smaller prostates (30 to 100 g) and gradually progress to larger ones as confidence and skills grow. Even under 30-g prostates can be treated effectively once the practitioner feels comfortable.
- Minimal bleeding: One common concern about aqua ablation is bleeding, due to the water jet used in the procedure. However, the training teaches effective techniques for minimizing bleeding, especially in the bladder neck region. Spot resection can be done posttreatment to manage any remaining minor bleeding.
- Ergonomics: Aqua ablation procedures involve both sitting and standing, which can be better for the urologist’s ergonomics than sitting for long periods during other procedures. This mobility during the operation can be more comfortable and less taxing on the body.
- Transferability: Urologists who have experience with other procedures like holmium or GreenLight laser can easily adapt to aqua ablation, as the technique and principles are transferable.
- Confidence and long-term potential: After performing a modest number of procedures, many urologists find aqua ablation to be an effective and sustainable option. With consistent practice and review of cases, it becomes an integral part of the practice, offering good outcomes for patients and efficiency for surgeons.
Conclusion
Aqua ablation is an accessible and promising treatment modality for BPH, with great potential for enhancing productivity, improving outcomes, and reducing strain on the surgeon.
