Oxford hospital introduces robotic treatment for enlarged prostates

Nuffield Health's Manor Hospital has introduced aquablation therapy, a robotic procedure for treating benign prostate hyperplasia.

It removes prostate tissue using heat-free water, and is the only procedure that combines a camera with ultrasound imaging, allowing the surgeon to see the entire prostate in real time.

The condition affects up to three million men in the UK each year, with around 30,000 needing surgery.

Common symptoms include difficulty urinating or completely emptying the bladder, and an increased frequency of urination.

If left untreated, it can lead to more severe symptoms, such as acute urinary retention and infections.

Clinical studies have shown the treatment's effectiveness in significantly relieving symptoms and maintaining low rates of irreversible complications, regardless of prostate size or shape.

(L-R) Corinne Bailey, Katie Hedges, Professor Sullivan, Professor Ben Turney, Simon Brewster, Tim Shewbridge, Jeremy Crew, and Iwona Blaszczak (Image: Nuffield Health) Jonathan Canham, business development director at Nuffield Health, said: "With this condition impacting so many men, it’s imperative that we source and provide a solution for those impacted, but to also help reduce the burden on the NHS.

"Installing this therapy in our hospitals also reinforces our purpose of building a healthier nation, as we utilise innovative technology within treatments to improve quality of life for our patients.

"At Nuffield Health, we are committed to playing a vital role in the UK's healthcare system, working in close partnership with the NHS to deliver sustainable, long-term solutions to the nation’s health challenges.

“Our network of hospitals offers much-needed capacity to support the elective recovery and reduce waiting lists, but more importantly, we bring a holistic approach to care, combining our clinical expertise, innovative health programmes, and state-of-the-art facilities to improve patient outcomes.”

The introduction of aquablation therapy at the Manor Hospital is part of Nuffield Health's ambition to reduce the year-long waiting list for the procedure within the NHS.

The therapy is also available at its London Parkside hospital, with Warwick hospital being the next site for implementation.

With a 99.5 per cent continence preservation rate, 100 per cent preservation of erectile function, and maintenance of 89 per cent of ejaculatory function, aquablation therapy yields patient-reported outcomes that are equal to or better than alternative procedures.

Professor Ben Turney, consultant urological surgeon at The Manor Hospital, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer aquablation therapy at The Manor Hospital, Oxford.

"Urinary symptoms reduce the quality of life for many men as they age.

"Aquablation therapy will offer our patients faster recovery times, fewer side effects, and improved quality of life.

"It's an important step forward in urological care, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this innovative approach."