Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital now offering Aquablation therapy for enlarged prostate
Minimally invasive robotic treatment provides long-lasting relief with fewer side effects
Men in Charlottesville and the surrounding area now have access to a new, advanced treatment option for an enlarged prostate at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital (SMJH). Aquablation therapy is a robotic, minimally invasive procedure that uses a precision-guided water jet to remove excess prostate tissue, helping men urinate more easily, sleep through the night, and avoid long-term complications.
Urologists Dr. Mark Anderson and Dr. Scott Campbell are now performing this procedure at SMJH. Unlike traditional surgical options that rely on heat and can damage surrounding tissue, Aquablation uses water, which reduces the risk of side effects such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
"Many men experience frustrating symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), like frequent urination or difficulty emptying their bladder,” said Dr. Anderson. “Aquablation therapy is helping us treat those symptoms more effectively, with fewer compromises. The results are excellent, and our patients are getting their quality of life back.”
BPH, or enlarged prostate, is a very common condition affecting nearly half of all men over age 50. If left untreated, BPH can lead to more serious health issues like urinary retention, bladder damage, or even kidney problems.
Aquablation therapy combines real-time ultrasound imaging with robotic technology, allowing doctors to tailor the procedure to each patient and remove only the tissue that’s causing problems. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most patients return home the next day, often without a catheter.
Urologists Dr. Mark Anderson and Dr. Scott Campbell are now performing this procedure at SMJH. Unlike traditional surgical options that rely on heat and can damage surrounding tissue, Aquablation uses water, which reduces the risk of side effects such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction.
"Many men experience frustrating symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), like frequent urination or difficulty emptying their bladder,” said Dr. Anderson. “Aquablation therapy is helping us treat those symptoms more effectively, with fewer compromises. The results are excellent, and our patients are getting their quality of life back.”
A new option for a common problem
BPH, or enlarged prostate, is a very common condition affecting nearly half of all men over age 50. If left untreated, BPH can lead to more serious health issues like urinary retention, bladder damage, or even kidney problems.
Aquablation therapy combines real-time ultrasound imaging with robotic technology, allowing doctors to tailor the procedure to each patient and remove only the tissue that’s causing problems. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most patients return home the next day, often without a catheter.
Long-lasting relief, fewer trade-offs
Clinical studies show that Aquablation therapy delivers long-lasting symptom relief with very low rates of side effects. Research has found that:
- 100% of patients maintained erectile function
- 89% preserved normal ejaculation
- More than 99% did not experience incontinence
Since launching this service, the hospital has already seen strong interest from patients. Aquablation therapy is gaining momentum nationally as a preferred option for treating BPH, balancing effectiveness with safety in a way that many men are looking for.
SMJH remains committed to bringing innovative treatments to the community, continuing its mission to improve health every day with compassionate care and the latest technology.
To learn more, visit sentara.com/Urology.
By: Alyssa Pacheco