Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Introduces Aquablation Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Urology Program adopts complex, minimally invasive treatment for complex bladder, kidney and prostate conditions

• The introduction of Aquablation therapy demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient outcomes and quality of life

In a groundbreaking advancement for prostrate treatment, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has introduced aquablation therapy, a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that brings new hope for men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This innovative therapy is the first in the UAE to use robotic-assisted waterjet solution for BPH, providing a new benchmark in precision and safety through real-time ultrasound guidance and robotic control, without the potential risks associated with heat-based treatments.

According to global studies, nearly 50% of men over the age of 60 are affected by BPH, with the prevalence rising to around 80% by age 85. The condition can lead to frequent urination, weak urinary flow, and, in advanced cases, urinary retention or incontinence, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life. Traditional treatments like medication and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) surgery, which removes excess prostate tissue may involve longer recovery periods and potential side effects in some cases. Aquablation offers a minimally invasive, heat-free alternative with faster recovery and a lower risk of side effects.

Commenting on the adoption, Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, and a leading urologist specializing in robotic surgery, said: “At Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, we are committed to continuously advancing our medical capabilities and ensuring that the latest technologies, like the aquablation therapy, are available to our patients. It represents another milestone in our pursuit of providing the highest standards of care to our patients. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the Department of Health- Abu Dhabi, which enables us to deliver world-class healthcare solutions right here in Abu Dhabi.”

Dr. Waleed Hassen, Department Chair of Urology in the Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, added: “Aquablation therapy represents a new era in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), addressing the limitations of traditional techniques with remarkable precision and safety. We chose to bring this technology to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi because it aligns with our mission of providing the most advanced, patient-centered care. Unlike conventional methods, aquablation is ideal for patients with even the most challenging prostate conditions, offering a level of customization and predictability that has not been possible before.”

Aquablation therapy utilizes the AquaBeam® Robotic System, which delivers a heat-free, high-pressure waterjet to precisely remove prostate tissue. Unlike traditional methods that use heat (such as laser or electrocautery-based techniques), the non-thermal waterjet technology ensures minimal damage to surrounding tissues, significantly lowering the risk of side effects such as incontinence or sexual dysfunction.

The treatment is guided by real-time ultrasound imaging and cystoscopy, which allow the surgeon to visualize critical structures, such as the bladder neck, verumontanum, and external sphincter, ensuring their preservation. This combination of robotic precision and advanced imaging helps optimize outcomes and minimize risks.

Dr. Zaki Almallah, Staff Physician, Urology, Surgical Subspecialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, explained: "Aquablation therapy is truly revolutionary in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is a one-time procedure that provides long-lasting symptom relief, with patients enjoying the benefits for years after treatment. By harnessing the power of robotic technology, we can now offer patients a treatment that is both highly effective and minimally invasive. It’s the only treatment that provides real-time imaging of the entire prostate, allowing us to precisely remove excess tissue while preserving reproductive function. This means patients experience fewer side effects, faster recovery and a significant improvement in quality of life."

Dr. Omer Raheem, Staff Physician, Urology, Surgical Subspecialties Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi added: “The robotic precision in the aquablation is truly transformative, especially for patients with larger prostates where traditional methods often fall short. The average resection time with aquablation is just 5.8 minutes, compared to nearly half an hour for TURP, without compromising on safety or effectiveness. It’s an advanced solution that minimizes risk, accelerates recovery, and offers patients an unmatched standard of care.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s introduction of aquablation therapy is a testament to offering advanced treatment, aligning with its mission to deliver world-class, innovative healthcare solutions. As part of its Urology Program, which already provides a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for complex bladder, kidney, and prostate conditions, the addition of aquablation further enhances the hospital's comprehensive care offering.

In addition to aquablation therapy, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi recently introduced Focal One High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer, a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancer cells with high precision. These advances highlight Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi's leadership in urological care, offering patients in the UAE access to cutting-edge treatments that significantly improve outcomes and quality of life.

To know more about the Urology program at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, visit https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/institutes-and-specialties/surgical-subspecialties/urology-program

To book an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, call 800 8 CCAD (2223), visit https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/pages/default.aspx or download the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Patient Portal App.