Hydros Aquablation therapy at The London Clinic is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical treatment for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. BPH can make it difficult to pass urine and fully empty the bladder, and, if left untreated, may lead to complications such as bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. The London Clinic is a centre of excellence in robotic surgery and urology, and is the first healthcare provider in Europe to offer the HYDROS Robotic System – an advanced AI‑powered platform for Aquablation therapy.
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Hydros Aquablation therapy for enlarged prostate (BPH)
Also known as: Hydros Aquablation, water‑jet BPH surgery
Rapid access
Fast access to Hydros Aquablation assessments and treatment at our Harley Street hospital.
World‑class specialists
Experienced consultant urologists specialising in BPH and robotic Aquablation.
What is it for?
Men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
What is Hydros Aquablation therapy?
Hydros is The London Clinic’s next‑generation Aquablation platform, designed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using a high‑velocity jet of water guided by robotic precision. It removes the overgrown prostate tissue that is blocking the flow of urine, while aiming to preserve continence and sexual function.
Unlike traditional heat‑based procedures, such as some laser or cautery techniques, Aquablation uses water rather than heat to remove tissue, which helps reduce the risk of heat‑related damage to nearby nerves and organs. Hydros combines this water‑jet resection with AI‑powered planning and robotic guidance to support accurate, personalised treatment for each patient.
Why might I need this treatment?
Many men with BPH experience symptoms that gradually worsen over time, despite tablets and lifestyle changes. Hydros Aquablation therapy may be recommended when symptoms are affecting quality of life, when medicines are no longer effective or well tolerated, or when tests show that your bladder is under strain from long‑term obstruction.
You may be considered for Hydros if:
- You have moderate to severe urinary symptoms such as weak stream, hesitancy, urgency or frequent night‑time urination
- Medication for BPH is not working well enough or is causing side effects
- Tests show that BPH is the main cause of your symptoms and your bladder is still likely to recover well after surgery
- You are looking for a minimally invasive option that aims to preserve continence and sexual function compared with some traditional operations
- You have a urinary catheter in place and are looking for a procedure to allow normal voiding of urine
- You are medically fit for anaesthetic and surgery, following pre‑assessment checks
High‑quality evidence supports the use of Hydros for prostate volumes of 30 to 180cc, though men with larger prostates may also be suitable candidates.
Possible risks and side effects
All procedures to treat an enlarged prostate carry some risks, and your consultant will talk you through these carefully before you decide on treatment. Risks vary from person to person, depending on your general health, medications and the complexity of your procedure.
General risks of any operation and anaesthetic can include:
- Bleeding, which may rarely require a transfusion or further procedure
- Infection, including urinary tract infection or chest infection
- Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Complications affecting the heart, lungs or other organs
Risks more specific to Hydros Aquablation therapy can include:
- Burning, stinging or discomfort when passing urine, usually short‑lived
- Blood in the urine or semen for a short period after the procedure
- Difficulty passing urine that may mean keeping a catheter in longer than expected
- Narrowing (stricture) or scarring in the urethra or bladder neck, which may occasionally need further treatment
- Urinary incontinence or changes in sexual function in a small number of men, although Aquablation is designed to reduce these risks compared with some other operations
- The possibility that symptoms may return over time, meaning further treatment could be required
Mr Neil Barber BSc FRCS (Urol) has worked with Procept-Biorobotics for more than ten years, initially as a clinical investigator in the WATER and OPEN WATER studies. For the past five years, he has served on their UK and global advisory board and works as a paid proctor and lecturer for the company internationally. His earnings are for his time as an educator and adviser, and are not linked to the number of Aquablation procedures he performs or any other activity-based measures. Mr Barber has no financial interest in Procept-Biorobotics and receives no payment from the company relating to the clinical delivery of Aquablation at The London Clinic.
Advanced technology and our leadership in urology
To maintain leadership in urological innovation and enhance clinical efficiency, The London Clinic has invested in the HYDROS Robotic AI System as part of a comprehensive BPH service. This next‑generation platform is integrated into our state‑of‑the‑art theatres, alongside advanced imaging and anaesthetic monitoring.
The London Clinic is the first healthcare provider in Europe to offer Hydros Aquablation therapy for BPH in a private hospital setting, reflecting a commitment to bringing proven innovations to patients safely and responsibly.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
At The London Clinic, our urology Clinical Nurse Specialists are a key part of your Hydros care. Working closely with your consultant, they provide personalised guidance and support at every stage of your journey – from initial assessment through treatment and recovery – for you and your loved ones.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Your journey with us
Step 1 Initial consultation and assessment
You will meet a consultant urologist at The London Clinic to discuss your symptoms, medical history and current medications in detail. Your consultant may arrange tests such as blood and urine tests, a urinary flow test, bladder scan and imaging or endoscopy of the prostate and urinary tract to confirm that BPH is the cause of your symptoms and that Hydros is a suitable option.
Step 2 Treatment planning and Hydros procedure
If Hydros Aquablation therapy is appropriate, your consultant will explain the benefits, risks and alternatives and agree a personalised treatment plan with you. On the day of your procedure you will usually have a general or spinal anaesthetic, and the Hydros system will be used to map your prostate and remove the obstructing tissue using a high‑velocity water jet under robotic guidance, with a catheter typically left in place for a short period afterwards.
Step 3 Recovery and follow‑up care
Before you leave the hospital, the team will explain what to expect over the following days and weeks, including advice about activity, driving, work and sexual activity. Follow‑up appointments are arranged to monitor your recovery, review symptom improvement and flow tests, and provide easy access back to your consultant and specialist nurses if you have any concerns.
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
Top-rated by real patients
4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.
Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.