What to Expect: Before, During and After Aquablation

Before: you will have a consultation and tests, usually a flow study, ultrasound, blood tests and sometimes a cystoscopy. You may be asked to pause certain medications, such as blood thinners, under medical guidance.

During: the procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and typically takes under an hour. The surgeon maps the treatment area using ultrasound, and the robot removes the tissue with a waterjet. Bleeding is controlled at the end of the procedure.

After: most patients stay in hospital for about one night. A catheter is placed temporarily, usually for one to two days. Some burning or frequency when urinating is normal in the first few weeks as the area heals.

Recovery: most men return to light activities within a week or two. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should wait a few weeks. Urinary flow often improves noticeably soon after the catheter is removed, with continued improvement over the following months. Follow-up appointments track your progress.