In a major milestone for men’s health, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust has performed a record 12 Aquablation procedures in a single day at Frimley Park Hospital, setting a new benchmark for prostate treatment in the UK.
The pioneering robot-assisted waterjet technique - known as Aquablation therapy - is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous condition that causes the prostate to enlarge and often leads to urinary problems, disrupted sleep, and a reduced quality of life.
On the record-breaking day, 11 of the 12 patients treated were able to go home just hours after their procedure, showing how minimally invasive technology can help reduce NHS waiting lists while improving patient recovery times.
One patient, 68-year-old Nigel Howlett from Farnham, Surrey, had been waiting 18 months for treatment. He said the procedure had already made a huge difference to his daily life:
“I’ve lived with this for a long time, including a significant lack of sleep and constantly limiting drinks to avoid discomfort. It might not be one of the most crucial procedures for the NHS, but it’s greatly affected my quality of life.”
Aquablation therapy works by using a precise, heat-free high-pressure waterjet, guided by real-time imaging, to remove excess prostate tissue. This allows surgeons to treat the condition efficiently, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, fewer complications, and a much quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery such as TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate).
Frimley Health was the first NHS trust in England to introduce Aquablation and has since treated more than 500 patients over the last five years - the highest number in the country. Consultant urological surgeon Neil Barber, who led the record-breaking day, said:
“We usually perform a maximum of three Aquablation procedures in a half-day list each week, but increasing demand has driven the need to innovate. The efficiency and predictability of Aquablation means we can treat more patients safely and effectively, and the results have been outstanding.”
According to the NHS, one in three men over 50 will experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate, rising to up to 80% of men over 75. While not cancerous, the condition can significantly affect quality of life, and long waiting times for treatment remain a challenge across the country.
The success at Frimley Park Hospital demonstrates how cutting-edge technology like Aquablation can play a key role in tackling backlogs, improving patient experience, and transforming care for men with prostate conditions.
Learn more about Aquablation therapy: https://tgfct.org.uk/Testing-and-Treatments/Medical-Support/Aquablation-for-BPH