Heat-free, robot-guided BPH treatment — with fewer sexual side effects
Aquablation Therapy uses a robotically controlled, heat-free water jet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue — treating BPH regardless of prostate size while preserving sexual function far better than traditional surgical options. Performed at Prestige Medical Group by Dr. Hari Sawkar, MD — the highest-volume Aquablation surgeon in Orange County.
What is Aquablation Therapy?
Aquablation Therapy is an advanced, FDA-cleared treatment for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) that uses a heat-free, high-velocity water jet to remove enlarged prostate tissue with surgical precision. The system combines real-time ultrasound imaging with robotic guidance, allowing the surgeon to plan and execute the procedure with a level of accuracy that traditional methods cannot match.
Because Aquablation uses water rather than heat or cutting tools, it avoids much of the thermal damage that can affect surrounding nerves and structures — meaning significantly lower rates of retrograde ejaculation, incontinence, and other sexual side effects compared to TURP. It also works effectively regardless of prostate size — including very large prostates that were traditionally not candidates for less-invasive procedures.
At Prestige Medical Group, Aquablation Therapy is performed exclusively by Dr. Hari Sawkar, MD — the highest-volume Aquablation surgeon in Orange County, with extensive experience across the full range of prostate sizes and clinical scenarios.
Dr. Hari Sawkar, MD
Dr. Sawkar has performed more Aquablation procedures than any other surgeon in Orange County — bringing a combination of biomedical engineering rigor and high-volume clinical experience to every case. He offers Aquablation alongside the full spectrum of BPH treatments so patients get the right procedure for their specific anatomy and goals.
Who is a candidate for Aquablation?
Aquablation is uniquely versatile — appropriate for men with any size prostate, from moderate to very large, who want the best possible preservation of sexual function.
Large prostates (80g+)
Traditionally, larger prostates required open surgery or specialized approaches. Aquablation handles very large prostates efficiently — often in a single session.
Preserving sexual function
Men who want the lowest possible risk of retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or incontinence — significantly better than TURP on these measures.
Failed medication
Symptoms not adequately controlled by BPH medications (alpha-blockers, 5-ARIs) or intolerable side effects from those medications.
Recurrent UTIs or retention
Men with recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary retention, or bladder stones from BPH obstruction who need a definitive surgical solution.
How Aquablation compares to other BPH options
Prestige offers a full range of BPH treatments. Aquablation is often the preferred choice for larger prostates and for men who prioritize sexual function preservation.
Lifestyle & medications
Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin) and 5-ARIs (finasteride) — the first line for most patients with mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms.
Aquablation Therapy
The versatile surgical choice — handles any prostate size with excellent sexual function preservation and durable results.
The three Aquablation innovations
Aquablation combines three technologies to deliver a level of precision impossible with traditional BPH surgery.
Real-time ultrasound mapping
Before ablation begins, the surgeon uses live ultrasound imaging to map the exact prostate anatomy — planning exactly what tissue to remove and what to preserve.
Robotic precision execution
Once the plan is set, the AquaBeam robotic system executes it precisely — using automated, computer-controlled motion far more consistent than any human hand.
Heat-free water jet ablation
The tissue is removed with a high-velocity saline water jet — no cutting instruments, no heat, no thermal damage to surrounding nerves and structures.
What to expect on procedure day
Aquablation is typically performed under anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Total procedure time is usually under an hour. Most patients go home the next day.
Anesthesia & positioning
You’ll be positioned and given general or spinal anesthesia. A small catheter and imaging equipment are inserted through the urethra — no incisions.
Ultrasound mapping
Dr. Sawkar uses real-time ultrasound to map your prostate and plan exactly which tissue will be removed — a custom plan for your anatomy.
Water jet ablation
The AquaBeam robotic system executes the plan — removing the obstructing tissue with a controlled water jet in typically under 10 minutes of actual ablation.
Recovery room
You’ll wake up with a temporary catheter in place. Most patients go home the next day and the catheter is typically removed within a few days.
What recovery looks like
Recovery from Aquablation is typically faster than from TURP. Most men are back to normal activities within 1–2 weeks, and symptom improvement continues over the following months.
Aquablation questions answered
Have a question not answered here? Call (949) 825-7650 to speak with our team.
Why is Aquablation better for sexual function?
Does prostate size matter for Aquablation?
How does Aquablation compare to UroLift and Rezūm?
Who performs Aquablation at Prestige Medical Group?
Is Aquablation covered by insurance?
How long do the results last?
What are the risks?
Ready to explore Aquablation?
If you’re dealing with BPH symptoms and want to understand whether Aquablation is right for you, Dr. Sawkar will take the time to review your situation and help you choose the best treatment path. Schedule a consultation today.