Midland Health and West Texas Urology announced that Midland Health is the only healthcare facility in the Midland/Odessa area offering Aquablation therapy. The procedure treats lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, an enlargement of the prostate gland.
The procedure is robotic-assisted and uses ultrasound guidance and a heat-free waterjet to remove obstructive prostate tissue. Midland Health said the treatment can provide long-lasting symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence. The surgeon can choose which areas of the prostate to remove, according to the announcement.
Common BPH symptoms include frequent urination, especially at night, trouble starting urination, a weak or interrupted stream and dribbling. Midland Health said untreated BPH can lead to bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. A news release said BPH affects one in two men between the ages of 51 and 60, and that 99% of men with BPH report it negatively affects their quality of life.