Aquablation Therapy for Enlarged Prostate in Birmingham
Aquablation therapy is a NICE-approved, robot-assisted water-jet treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that offers outstanding symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence. Mr Syed Ali Shahzad, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon, is trained in Aquablation and offers this advanced procedure at private hospitals in Birmingham.
What Is Aquablation?
Aquablation uses a precisely controlled, high-velocity waterjet to ablate excess prostate tissue, guided by real-time ultrasound imaging and robotic precision. Unlike heat-based procedures such as Green Light laser or Rezum, Aquablation does not use thermal energy, which significantly reduces the risk of damage to surrounding structures responsible for sexual function and urinary control.
How Aquablation Works
The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthetic. A cystoscope is introduced through the urethra and an ultrasound probe is placed in the rectum to provide a real-time map of the prostate. The surgeon plans the ablation zone on a computer console, defining precisely which tissue to remove and, critically, which structures to preserve. The robotic system then executes the plan with the waterjet, moving automatically across the prostate in seconds. The entire ablation typically takes less than 5 minutes.
Key Benefits of Aquablation
- Sexual function preservation: Clinical trial data (WATER and WATER II randomised controlled trials) demonstrate that Aquablation causes retrograde ejaculation in approximately 10% of men, compared with 65% for TURP.
- Continence preservation: The ultrasound-guided robotic control protects the external sphincter, minimising incontinence risk.
- Effective for all prostate sizes: Unlike UroLift or Rezum, Aquablation is effective for both small and very large prostates (up to 150ml).
- Durable results: Long-term data show sustained symptom improvement comparable to TURP.
- NICE approved: NICE Interventional Procedures Guidance IPG715 supports the use of Aquablation for BPH.
Who Is Suitable for Aquablation?
Aquablation is suitable for men with BPH who want effective symptom relief whilst preserving ejaculatory function and sexual health. It is particularly well-suited to men with larger prostates (over 30ml), complex prostate anatomy (prominent median lobe), or those for whom other minimally invasive treatments are less appropriate.
Recovery
Most patients are discharged within 1 to 2 days. A urinary catheter is usually removed within 24 to 48 hours. Some haematuria (blood in the urine) and urinary symptoms are normal for 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery and maximal symptom improvement are typically achieved by 3 months.
Why Choose Mr Shahzad for Aquablation in Birmingham?
Mr Shahzad is a trained Aquablation operator and features on the official Aquablation UK physician directory. He holds fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS Urol) and the European Board of Urology (FEBU), and brings extensive robotic and minimally invasive surgical experience to every procedure. He practises at The Harborne Hospital (HCA), the Priory Hospital and Spire Little Aston, Birmingham.
Book an Aquablation Consultation in Birmingham
No GP referral is required. Mr Shahzad is recognised by BUPA, AXA, AVIVA, Vitality, Cigna and WPA and welcomes self-pay patients. Book an appointment or contact us to discuss whether Aquablation is right for you.