HACKENSACK, N.J., Sept. 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On the morning of Wednesday, September 4, 2024, Hackensack Meridian
Hackensack University Medical Center became the first hospital in
the world to treat patients with Aquablation® therapy using the new
HYDROS™ Robotic System. This next-generation platform treats men
suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known
as an enlarged prostate.
Aquablation therapy is an innovative approach - delivering a
heat-free waterjet so intense - that removes excess prostate
tissue. The new HYDROS System is now delivered by an AI-powered
robot that is clinically proven to provide significant, durable BPH
symptom relief while preserving sexual function and continence
across prostates of all shapes and sizes – a combination of
benefits previously unattainable with traditional treatments.
BPH is a common consequence of aging, affecting half of all men
between the ages of 51 and 60, with as many as 99% reporting a
decrease in their quality of life. BPH impairs urinary function,
making it considerably more difficult to urinate. Common symptoms
include a weak urinary stream, a frequent or urgent need to
urinate, nighttime urination, and trouble fully emptying the
bladder. If left untreated, BPH can lead to serious health problems
such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, incontinence,
retention of urine, and permanent bladder or kidney damage. When
medications prove ineffective or cause troublesome side effects,
surgery is often the standard treatment option; however, many
surgical procedures can negatively affect sexual function and
continence.
"The symptoms of BPH are very annoying," described Abdo Saad who was recently diagnosed with the
condition and not satisfied with traditional treatment options
including medications or surgery. "I did my research to find a more
innovative alternative," explained the 66-year-old computer
engineer, who was once named 'Innovator of the Year' by his own
industry. "I knew there had to be something more state-of-the-art,
which I found at Hackensack University Medical Center." Mr. Saad
sought the expertise of another innovator, Ravi Munver, MD, FACS, vice chair, Department of
Urology and director of Minimally Invasive & Robotic Urologic
Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. Dr.
Munver explained the procedure, the advantages of the new
technology, and receiving it from one of the Top 50 nationally
ranked Urology (#17) programs in the country according to U.S. News
& World Report's 2024-25 Best Hospitals list. Mr. Saad was
excited to be the first patient in the world to benefit from this
cutting-edge advancement.
Aquablation therapy was designed to offer a minimally invasive
and effective solution for BPH, minimizing the need for men to
choose between safety and efficacy. Aquablation 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, the
system accurately removes problematic tissue while safeguarding
critical anatomy.
The HYDROS Robotic System represents the next evolution in
Aquablation therapy. It features FirstAssist AI™ treatment
planning, advanced image guidance, robotic resection, and a
streamlined workflow. It integrates next-generation ultrasound
imaging and digital cystoscopy, providing surgeons with a
multi-dimensional, detailed view of the entire prostate. The HYDROS
System is designed to improve efficiency, enhance surgeon and staff
experience, and deliver more accurate and consistent treatment
plans for better clinical outcomes.
"We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking
treatment," said Robert C.
Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health.
"Enlarged prostate affects millions of men worldwide, and this new
procedure offers them a new hope for improved quality of life."
"We're so proud Hackensack University Medical Center is the
first hospital in the world to offer a revolutionary new treatment
for enlarged prostate," said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president, Northern Region,
Hackensack Meridian Health. "This marks a significant milestone
in men's health."
Mr. Saad returned home the day after his procedure and expressed
enthusiasm in being the first patient to receive this
groundbreaking treatment. "I'm a very proactive person, always
creating, working, and so I'm very proud to have played such a
large part in the very first HYDROS procedure. It's pioneering," he
said.
"This investment in cutting-edge technology demonstrates our
commitment to providing patients with safe and advanced care with
cutting edge technology," said Lisa
Tank, MD, FACP, acting president and chief hospital
executive, Hackensack University Medical Center. "The future of
medicine is personalized, precise, and minimally invasive. This new
procedure embodies all three."
"The future of BPH treatment is here," said Michael D. Stifelman, MD, chair of Urology at
Hackensack University Medical Center and director of Robotic
Surgery and co-director of Urologic Oncology at John Theurer Cancer
Center. "This innovative technology allows us to remove
enlarged prostate tissue with unparalleled accuracy, minimizing
complications and maximizing patient comfort."
Dr. Munver emphasized, "Throughout my career, I have dedicated
myself to bringing cutting-edge technologies to my patients, and
the HYDROS System represents the pinnacle of that pursuit. It is
not just an evolution in BPH treatment; it is a revolution in men's
health. We are not merely treating symptoms. We are restoring
quality of life without compromise. The fusion of AI precision and
robotic execution allows us to tailor treatments with unprecedented
accuracy. But beyond the technology, what truly drives me is
ensuring the best patient care with a personal touch. Aquablation
therapy with the HYDROS System is the culmination of years of
innovation, and I am thrilled to offer this transformative
technology to our patients."
For more information on Aquablation therapy, visit
aquablation.com. Click here to learn more about urology
advancements happening at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University
Medical Center and to book an appointment.
ABOUT HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL CENTER
Hackensack University Medical Center, an 803-bed nonprofit
teaching and research hospital, was Bergen County's first hospital founded in
1888. It is the first hospital in New
Jersey and third in the nation to become a
Magnet®-recognized hospital for nursing excellence,
receiving its seventh consecutive designation from the American
Nurses Credentialing Center in 2024. The academic flagship of
the Hackensack Meridian Health network, Hackensack
University Medical Center is the #1 hospital in New Jersey according to the U.S. News &
World Report's 2022-23 and 2024-25 Best Hospitals lists. In
addition to being ranked the top hospital in New Jersey, Hackensack University Medical
Center is ranked #5 overall in the New
York Metropolitan area as well as being home to the John
Theurer Cancer Center, named the best cancer center in New Jersey, ranked among the top 50 cancer
centers nationwide. The hospitals' rehabilitation services also
ranked among the best in the nation. Additionally, Hackensack
University Medical Center was recognized for 17 high performing
procedures and conditions, and the following eight specialties are
ranked in the Top 50 nationally: Urology (#17); Pulmonology and
Lung Surgery (#22) – only New
Jersey hospital nationally ranked in this specialty;
Neurology and Neurosurgery (#23) – only New Jersey hospital nationally ranked in this
specialty; Diabetes & Endocrinology (#25) – only New Jersey hospital nationally ranked in this
specialty; Orthopedics (#25); Geriatrics (#34) – only NJ hospital
nationally ranked in this specialty; Cardiology, Heart &
Vascular Surgery (#41); Cancer (#44). Named to Newsweek's
World's Best Hospitals 2024 list, Hackensack University Medical
Center is also the recipient of the 2023 Patient Safety Excellence
Award™ by Healthgrades as well as an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from
The Leapfrog Group. This award-winning care is provided on a campus
that is home to facilities such as the Heart & Vascular
Hospital; and the Sarkis and Siran Gabrellian Women's and
Children's Pavilion, which houses the Donna A. Sanzari Women's
Hospital and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, ranked #1
in the state and top 20 in the Mid-Atlantic Region in the U.S.
News & World Report's 2022-23 and 2024-25 Best Children's
Hospital Report. Hackensack University Medical Center is listed on
the Green Guide's list of Top 10 Green Hospitals in the U.S. The
hospital's comprehensive clinical research portfolio includes
studies focused on precision medicine, translational medicine,
immunotherapy, cell therapy, and vaccine development. In 2023, the
hospital completed the largest healthcare expansion project ever
approved by the state: construction of the Helena Theurer Pavilion,
a 530,000-sq.-ft., nine-story building housing 24 state-of-the-art
operating rooms with intraoperative MRI capability, 50 ICU beds,
and 175 medical/surgical beds including a 50 room Musculoskeletal
Institute.
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SOURCE Hackensack University Medical Center