AQUABLATION THERAPY FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EFFICACY AND COMPLICATIONS

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness and safety of Aquablation therapy for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: A comprehensive examination of four databases revealed 366 pertinent publications. Following the elimination of duplicates via the Rayyan QCRI and the assessment of relevance, 49 full-text publications were examined, of which five satisfied the eligibility criteria for evidence synthesis. Results: Five studies on 1004 patients with BPH found that aquablation therapy was effective and comparable to or better than transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). It alleviates urinary symptoms, maintains sexual function, and reduces retrograde ejaculation. Early complications such as hemorrhage and urinary retention are rare. Aquablation is a sustainable and less intrusive solution. Conclusion: Aquablation therapy is a promising advancement in BPH treatment, as it provides lasting symptomatic relief and preserves sexual function. It effectively treats large prostate tumors with few side effects, making it a strong alternative to TURP and HoLEP. Although early complications can occur, their longterm benefits and minimally invasive nature have increased their appeal. Ongoing research and validation are expected to confirm the Aquablation’s role of ablation in BPH management.