Saint Alphonsus Introduces Aquablation® Therapy – the first AI-Powered Robotic System for Treating Enlarged Prostates, Enhancing Quality of Life for Idaho Men

Saint Alphonsus Health System successfully completed the Treasure Valley’s first Aquablation procedure using an AI-powered robotic system therapy for the treatment of enlarged prostate today. The condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects millions of men nationwide, with approximately 50% experiencing symptoms by age 60.  

BPH impacts urinary function and quality of life, resulting in frequent or difficult urination and interrupted sleep. When left untreated for too long, it has the potential to cause other severe health issues including permanent bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.        

Aquablation therapy offers patients a minimally invasive and effective solution for BPH, minimizing the need for men to choose between safety and effectiveness. Previously, the standard treatment option for BPH patients has been surgery, which has been shown to impact sexual function and continence.

“Too many men over the age of 50 delay seeking help for BPH out of fear of side effects or invasive surgery,” said Shelly Gorman, Executive Director of Oncology and Surgical Services at Saint Alphonsus. “With Aquablation therapy, men can reclaim their lifestyles and find relief from symptoms while preserving sexual function and continence —outcomes that have proven elusive with many traditional treatments.”

The therapy is unique in its use of real-time, ultrasound-guided, robotic-assisted waterjet technology, allowing surgeons to create a personalized treatment plan that precisely targets which prostate tissue to remove and which to preserve. With this tailored approach, it removes problematic tissue while safeguarding critical anatomy.  

The procedure combines next‑generation ultrasound imaging and digital cystoscopy to give surgeons a clear, detailed view of the entire prostate, allowing them to tailor a treatment plan to each patient’s anatomy. Using a heat‑free waterjet, the robot follows the surgeon’s plan to remove the tissue causing blockage while protecting the areas responsible for sexual function and continence. This approach helps ensure a consistent, efficient procedure across a wide range of prostate sizes and shapes.

Aquablation therapy is clinically proven to provide significant, durable BPH symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence across prostates of all shapes and sizes. It is backed by 5‑year clinical data demonstrating lasting outcomes.  

For more information on Aquablation therapy, visit www.saintalphonsus.org/aquablation.