A patient has become the first in the Black Country to undergo an innovative robotic-assisted treatment for enlarged prostates.
Urological surgeons at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust performed the first Aquablation Therapy procedure in the region, which uses a high-pressure heat-free waterjet to remove prostate tissue.
The minimally invasive procedure takes around 40 minutes to complete and can lead to faster recovery times and fewer complications.
Seventy-nine-year-old Peter Lambert from Sutton Coldfield was one of the first patients to undergo the one-of-a-kind 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.
Speaking about his experience, Peter 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.
“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.”
During the procedure, surgeons use a Aquablation HYDROS Robotic System from PROCEPT BioRoboticsto guide the water jets, utilising a camera and an ultrasound map of the patient’s prostate to remove tissue with precision.
Unlike other treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate, Aquablation therapy preserves both sexual function and continence in men.
Consultant urologist Mr Fahd Khan, who performed the first Aquablation procedure at the Midland Met with 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.
“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.”