A 79-year-old pensioner from Sutton Coldfield has become the first patient in the Black Country to undergo a pioneering robotic-assisted treatment for an enlarged prostate.
Groundbreaking Procedure at Midland Met
Urological surgeons at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust performed the first Aquablation Therapy procedure in the region. This innovative treatment uses a high-pressure, heat-free waterjet to remove prostate tissue with precision.
The minimally invasive procedure takes approximately 40 minutes and offers faster recovery times with fewer complications compared to traditional methods.
Patient's Experience
Peter Lambert, aged 79, underwent the procedure at the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick. The retired microbiologist was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate in 2025 and was referred to urologists at the Trust, who offered him the new treatment.
Mr Lambert said: "The procedure was explained to me and I jumped at the chance to have it, because it would have fewer side effects than other traditional treatments. I had no pain after the surgery, and it only took three days for me to notice that my normal urinary function had been restored."
He added: "The best part of having this procedure has been the improvement to my quality of life. I've been able to get back to doing all the things I enjoy like gardening, cycling and other physical activities without the need to worry about where the nearest toilet is, so I've really experienced the benefits I was hoping for."
How Aquablation Therapy Works
During the procedure, surgeons use the Aquablation HYDROS Robotic System from PROCEPT BioRobotics to guide the water jets. The system utilises a camera and an ultrasound map of the patient's prostate to remove tissue with exceptional accuracy.
Unlike other treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate, Aquablation therapy preserves both sexual function and continence in men.
Surgeons' Perspective
Consultant urologist Mr Fahd Khan, who performed the first Aquablation procedure at the Midland Met alongside consultant urologist Ananda Dhanasekaran, said: "I'm very pleased that we are now able to bring the benefits of such an innovative treatment for enlarged prostates to our patients. We have become the first in the region to deliver this procedure, and I'm immensely proud of this achievement."
He continued: "We always strive to give our patients the highest standards of care and the best treatments possible, and I hope we can continue to achieve these life-changing results for our local population."
