Preparing for Aquablation: Tests, Medicines and a Checklist
By Dr. Ahmed Ali Alnaimi, Consultant Urological Surgeon
Good preparation makes treatment day smoother and recovery easier. Your care team will give you personal instructions, and those always come first. This guide explains what usually happens.
Assessment before treatment
Most men have some or all of the following:
- A symptom questionnaire, such as the International Prostate Symptom Score
- A urine flow test and a bladder scan to measure what is left after passing urine
- An ultrasound to measure the size and shape of the prostate
- A PSA blood test, with further assessment if prostate cancer needs to be ruled out
- Sometimes a cystoscopy to look inside the bladder and prostate
- Blood tests and a pre-operative health check
Medicines to discuss
Tell your team about every medicine you take, including supplements. Blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, apixaban or rivaroxaban may need to be paused or adjusted beforehand, but only on medical advice and never on your own. Diabetes medicines may also need adjusting around the anaesthetic.
Infections are treated first
A urine sample is checked before surgery. Any infection is treated with antibiotics before the procedure goes ahead.
Checklist for the day
- 1Follow the fasting instructions you are given for food and drink
- 2Bring a list of your medicines and any recent test results
- 3Pack loose, comfortable clothing
- 4Bring toiletries and a phone charger for an overnight stay
- 5Arrange for someone to take you home, as you should not drive after an anaesthetic
- 6Plan a few quiet days at home and time off work
Questions to ask beforehand
- How long will I need a catheter?
- When can I return to work, drive and travel?
- Which medicines should I restart, and when?
Dr. Ahmed Ali Alnaimi and his team will guide you through each step so that you arrive informed and confident.
Every prostate, and every patient, is different. A consultation gives you a clear picture of your own options.
Catheter Care and Blood in the Urine After Aquablation