Macon, Ga. (December 13, 2023) – Late last month Piedmont Macon Medical Center became the first hospital in Middle Georgia to perform Aquablation, an innovative, minimally-invasive surgical procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

Using traditional visual imaging as well as robotic technology, a surgeon controls a heat-free waterjet to remove problematic prostate tissue that is obstructing the bladder.

“Aquablation doesn’t require an incision and takes less than an hour to complete,” said Joseph Bear, M.D., a urologist at Piedmont Physicians Urology Macon who performs the procedure at Piedmont Macon Medical Center. “We’re able to operate with precision, tailoring to the patient’s anatomy, so there are fewer complications and a faster recovery time.”

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, are frequent urination or difficulty emptying your bladder. Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones and damage to the kidneys.

“Men with these symptoms are often concerned with side effects from surgery, specifically incontinence and sexual dysfunction,” Dr. Bear said. “Because we use two types of imaging in this procedure, we can see the entire prostate in real time and help prevent side effects. This procedure has a very low rate of irreversible complications and has been proven to provide years of relief from symptoms.”

For more information about Aquablation, visit piedmont.org/urology or call 478-742-5331.