Aquablation robotic therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia

The technology described in this briefing is Aquablation robotic therapy. It is used for transurethral water jet ablation for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The innovative aspects are that transurethral water jet ablation does not use heat to remove prostate tissue and the technology can be used with prostates of any shape and size.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to standard care for people with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia that needs surgical intervention.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 5 studies: 1 randomised controlled trial, 2 prospective studies and 2 single-arm studies, including a total of 562 people with benign prostatic hyperplasia. They show that Aquablation therapy is as effective as transurethral resection of the prostate for the removal of prostate tissue for people with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that the initial cost of the technology is higher than comparator technologies, but the company claims that long-term cost savings are likely. Further direct comparative evidence comparing Aquablation therapy with other technologies is needed.

Experts advised that the technology is innovative compared with standard care and offers additional benefits such as an increased ability to preserve sexual function and the potential to offer day-case procedures.

The cost of Aquablation robotic therapy is £2,872 per patient, based on volume pricing. The capital cost is covered in this, which also includes a per patient consumable cost of £1,925 (excluding VAT).