Table of contents

• What Is Aquablation?
• Best Clinics in Korea for Aquablation
• Getting Aquablation in Korea
• Cost of Aquablation in Korea
• Alternatives to Aquablation
• Conclusion

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Considering Aquablation in Korea? This article explains what Aquablation is—an image-guided, robot-assisted waterjet treatment for enlarged prostate (BPH)—and how the procedure is delivered in Korea, including how to choose a hospital, navigate referrals, and what to expect before and after surgery. We outline who is (and isn’t) a good candidate, with notes on prostate size, symptoms, and medical considerations. You’ll also find a clear overview of costs in Korea, key price drivers, and how coverage may work for residents and international patients. Finally, we compare Aquablation with alternatives such as medication, TURP, HoLEP, Rezūm, and UroLift to help you discuss the best option with your urologist.

What Is Aquablation?

Aquablation is a minimally invasive, robotically assisted surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can obstruct urine flow and cause lower urinary tract symptoms such as weak stream, frequent urination, nocturia, urgency, and incomplete emptying. It combines real-time ultrasound imaging with a computer-guided, high-velocity saline waterjet to precisely remove obstructing prostate tissue without heat (non-thermal “hydroablation”).

How Aquablation works

• Imaging-driven planning: The procedure begins with real-time transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), which provides a live 3D view of the prostate, including the lateral lobes, median lobe, bladder neck, and urethral landmarks.
• Robotic mapping: Using a console, the urologist “maps” the exact tissue to be removed, tailoring the plan to the individual’s prostate size, shape, and anatomy while designating zones to avoid (e.g., near the external sphincter).
• Waterjet hydroablation: A robotically controlled, high-velocity saline stream (AquaBeam system) follows the surgical plan to remove the targeted tissue layer by layer. Because the energy is mechanical (waterjet) rather than thermal (electrosurgery or laser), it limits heat spread to surrounding structures.
• Cystoscopic visualization: A resectoscope in the urethra provides endoscopic visualization to align the device, verify progress, and perform touch-up hemostasis when needed.
• Hemostasis and catheterization: After the waterjet phase, the surgeon typically uses brief low-power cautery to control bleeding, then places a urinary catheter (often with continuous bladder irrigation for several hours). Most patients have the catheter removed within 1–3 days.

Indications and candidate selection

• Symptomatic BPH with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms refractory to medications or when medications cause side effects.
• Prostates across a wide size range, including larger glands and those with an obstructing median lobe, which can be challenging for some other techniques.
• Patients prioritizing preservation of sexual function (particularly ejaculatory function) and those seeking a non-thermal alternative to traditional resection or laser therapy.
• Pre-operative evaluation typically includes medical history, symptom scoring (e.g., IPSS), urinalysis and culture, PSA as indicated, uroflowmetry and post-void residual, and often cystoscopy and/or imaging to assess anatomy.

Step-by-step overview

1. Anesthesia: General or spinal anesthesia; the patient is positioned in lithotomy.
2. Ultrasound setup: A TRUS probe acquires real-time images; the console displays axial and sagittal views.
3. Surgical planning: The surgeon delineates treatment boundaries from the bladder neck to just proximal to the external sphincter, accounting for the median lobe and patient-specific landmarks.
4. Hydroablation: The robot executes the planned resection with a high-velocity saline jet, rapidly debulking obstructive tissue along the mapped contour.
5. Hemostasis: The surgeon inspects the cavity endoscopically and applies targeted bipolar cautery as needed.
6. Catheter and recovery: A Foley catheter is placed; many patients are discharged the same day or after an overnight stay.

Clinical benefits commonly reported

• Precision and consistency: Image-guided, plan-based resection helps standardize outcomes and reduce operator variability, especially in large or complex prostates.
• Non-thermal tissue removal: Avoiding heat may help reduce collateral injury to surrounding structures important for continence and sexual function.
• Sexual function considerations: Trials have shown lower rates of ejaculatory dysfunction compared with several thermal modalities, an important quality-of-life metric for many patients.
• Broad anatomical applicability: Effective for prostates with median lobes and larger glands where some minimally invasive therapies are less effective.
• Symptom relief and flow improvement: Studies demonstrate significant improvements in symptom scores (e.g., IPSS) and urinary flow (Qmax), with benefits maintained in multi-year follow-up.

Potential risks and side effects

• Bleeding and hematuria: Usually transient; a small proportion may require transfusion or return to the operating room for clot evacuation.
• Irritative symptoms: Frequency, urgency, dysuria, or transient incontinence can occur during early healing.
• Urinary retention: Some patients may need the catheter in place for a few days or brief re-catheterization.
• Infection: Urinary tract infection or, rarely, prostatitis; perioperative antibiotics are standard.
• Urethral complications: Rare urethral stricture or bladder neck contracture.
• Anesthesia-related risks: As with any procedure under general or spinal anesthesia.

Recovery expectations

• Hospital stay: Same-day discharge or overnight observation is common.
• Catheter duration: Typically 1–3 days, depending on bleeding and voiding trial results.
• Activity: Light activity within days; avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks per surgeon guidance.
• Symptom trajectory: Many patients notice immediate flow improvement, with irritative symptoms settling over several weeks; maximal benefit often emerges over 1–3 months.

How Aquablation compares with other BPH treatments

• Versus TURP or laser enucleation (e.g., HoLEP): Aquablation offers imaging-guided, heat-free resection with favorable ejaculatory function preservation; bleeding risk can be procedure- and prostate size–dependent and may differ among centers and techniques.
• Versus minimally invasive office therapies (e.g., prostatic urethral lift, water vapor therapy): Aquablation typically provides more robust tissue removal and flow improvement, often suited to larger prostates or pronounced obstruction, but it is performed in the operating room under anesthesia.
• Versus medical therapy: It avoids ongoing medication side effects and adherence issues, providing definitive mechanical relief of obstruction in appropriate candidates.

Evidence base and durability

• Randomized and prospective studies have shown significant improvements in symptom scores, quality of life, and urinary flow metrics compared with baseline and, in head-to-head trials, non-inferiority to standard TURP with advantages in ejaculatory function preservation.
• Multi-year follow-up reports indicate durable symptom relief with low surgical retreatment rates, including in larger prostates and in those with median lobe obstruction.

Best Clinics in Korea for Aquablation

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for aquablation:

Clinic Name	Key Features	Special Techniques
Yezak Urology Website	Comprehensive BPH pathway: medication, minimally invasive therapies, and surgical options such as TURP or laser enucleation enable individualized selection and clear counseling for Aquablation candidates; Multi-specialist surgical expertise: procedures that prioritize function and aesthetics—penile enlargement that preserves sensation and erectile function, Peyronie’s correction, and penile implants—reflect meticulous technique and outcome-focused care relevant to prostate surgery; Advanced safety systems: a culture of safety and modern operative methods emphasizing precise hemostasis, clean wound edges, and efficient recovery across procedures; Protocol-driven care: structured perioperative and postoperative pathways—from traction protocols after lengthening to follow-up testing after vasectomy—demonstrate reliable rehabilitation and monitoring that translate well to BPH interventions; Prostate care aligned with Aquablation goals: targeted relief of urinary obstruction with attention to bladder and kidney protection and overall quality of life; Whole-person men’s health optimization: evaluation of cardiovascular and hormonal factors, lifestyle guidance, and tailored therapies support safer anesthesia, smoother recovery, and durable outcomes; Discreet, confidential environment: comprehensive screening and counseling for men’s health needs—from STD care to andropause management—ensure privacy and continuity throughout the prostate treatment journey; Comfort with technology-driven care: non-surgical ED options (PDE5 inhibitors, injections, vacuum devices, shockwave) and Peyronie’s treatments (collagenase, traction) demonstrate readiness for modern, device-assisted therapies paralleling Aquablation.	Aquablation; penile enlargement that preserves sensation and erectile function; Peyronie’s correction; penile implants; traction protocols after lengthening; collagenase; non-surgical ED options (PDE5 inhibitors, injections, vacuum devices, shockwave).

Yezak Urology

Yezak Urology in Apgujeong is a men’s health center offering specialized surgical and non-surgical care delivered by a multi-specialist team with advanced safety systems. With comprehensive prostate programs, proven urologic surgical expertise, and structured, patient-centered protocols, Yezak stands out in Korea as a leading choice for men exploring Aquablation within evidence-based care for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Comprehensive BPH pathway: medication, minimally invasive therapies, and surgical options such as TURP or laser enucleation enable individualized selection and clear counseling for Aquablation candidates.
• Multi-specialist surgical expertise: procedures that prioritize function and aesthetics—penile enlargement that preserves sensation and erectile function, Peyronie’s correction, and penile implants—reflect meticulous technique and outcome-focused care relevant to prostate surgery.
• Advanced safety systems: a culture of safety and modern operative methods emphasizing precise hemostasis, clean wound edges, and efficient recovery across procedures.
• Protocol-driven care: structured perioperative and postoperative pathways—from traction protocols after lengthening to follow-up testing after vasectomy—demonstrate reliable rehabilitation and monitoring that translate well to BPH interventions.
• Prostate care aligned with Aquablation goals: targeted relief of urinary obstruction with attention to bladder and kidney protection and overall quality of life.
• Whole-person men’s health optimization: evaluation of cardiovascular and hormonal factors, lifestyle guidance, and tailored therapies support safer anesthesia, smoother recovery, and durable outcomes.
• Discreet, confidential environment: comprehensive screening and counseling for men’s health needs—from STD care to andropause management—ensure privacy and continuity throughout the prostate treatment journey.
• Comfort with technology-driven care: non-surgical ED options (PDE5 inhibitors, injections, vacuum devices, shockwave) and Peyronie’s treatments (collagenase, traction) demonstrate readiness for modern, device-assisted therapies paralleling Aquablation.

You can check out their website here: Yezak Urology Website

Getting Aquablation in Korea

Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that uses a robotically controlled, high‑velocity saline waterjet to remove obstructive prostate tissue under real‑time ultrasound guidance. Unlike laser or electrosurgical techniques, Aquablation is “heat‑free” during the tissue resection phase, which aims to reduce thermal injury to surrounding structures important for continence and sexual function. The procedure is performed with the AquaBeam Robotic System (PROCEPT BioRobotics).

In Korea, Aquablation is available at selected tertiary hospitals—particularly in major cities like Seoul and Busan—and is increasingly adopted alongside established options such as TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) and HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation). Many centers offer dedicated international patient services with English, Chinese, and Japanese support.

What Aquablation treats

• Primary indication: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH, including weak stream, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, nocturia, frequency/urgency, and recurrent urinary retention.
• Prostate size: Commonly offered for prostates from about 30 mL up to large glands (e.g., 80–150 mL and beyond in experienced hands), including prominent median lobes.
• Patient goals: Men seeking symptom relief with a higher likelihood of preserving antegrade ejaculation compared with traditional resection techniques.
• Situations favoring Aquablation: Large prostates, presence of a median lobe, patients prioritizing sexual function preservation, and cases where a standardized, image‑guided resection plan is preferred.

When it may not be appropriate

• Active urinary tract infection (requires treatment first).
• Unaddressed suspicion of prostate cancer (elevated PSA, concerning DRE, or imaging) until evaluated.
• Severe bleeding disorders or inability to interrupt anticoagulation without a tailored plan.
• Significant rectal pathology that precludes safe transrectal ultrasound.
• Poor surgical/anesthetic candidacy or inability to tolerate lithotomy positioning.

How Korean centers evaluate candidates

• Symptom assessment: IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score), quality‑of‑life scores, and bladder diary when needed.
• Urine and blood tests: Urinalysis/culture, renal function, PSA per age/risks, and basic pre‑op labs.
• Prostate measurements: Transrectal or transabdominal ultrasound for prostate volume and configuration; some centers perform MRI depending on clinical context.
• Flow studies: Uroflowmetry (Qmax) and post‑void residual (PVR); urodynamics if the diagnosis is unclear or if there is suspected detrusor dysfunction.
• Endoscopy: Office cystoscopy may be done to assess urethra, prostate channel, and bladder if planning is complex.

How Aquablation works (step by step)

1. Anesthesia: General or spinal anesthesia; many centers prefer general for comfort and precise ultrasound imaging.
2. Positioning and imaging: The patient is placed in lithotomy position. A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) probe provides live, multi‑plane images of the prostate.
3. Planning: The surgeon maps the desired resection on a console, marking anatomical landmarks (urethral sphincter, verumontanum, bladder neck) to protect continence and sexual function structures.
4. Waterjet ablation: A robotically controlled, high‑velocity saline jet precisely removes targeted tissue according to the plan. This phase is non‑thermal.
5. Hemostasis and finishing: Surgeons typically secure hemostasis with selective cautery and/or brief adjunctive endoscopic techniques. A three‑way catheter with continuous bladder irrigation is often placed.
6. Duration: The entire procedure often takes 30–60 minutes, depending on prostate size and complexity.
7. Hospital stay: In Korea, many patients stay 1 night; some centers offer same‑day or 2‑night protocols based on bleeding risk, catheter needs, and patient travel plans.

Benefits and trade‑offs compared with other surgeries

• Image‑guided precision: Real‑time ultrasound and robotic planning promote consistent, anatomically aware resection—useful in large glands or complex anatomy.
• Heat‑free resection: May reduce collateral thermal damage; many patients have a higher likelihood of preserving ejaculation compared with TURP/laser procedures, though outcomes vary.
• Symptom relief and flow improvement: Studies show significant, durable improvements in IPSS and Qmax comparable to standard surgeries.
• Operating consistency and learning curve: Shorter learning curve than some enucleation techniques; standardization appeals to high‑volume centers.
• Trade‑offs: Still a surgical procedure with risks of bleeding, transient urinary symptoms, and rare complications; adjunctive cautery is often required for hemostasis; device availability and cost may influence access.

Expected outcomes

• Symptom relief: Marked improvement in LUTS typically within weeks, with continued gains over 3–6 months.
• Ejaculatory function: Higher preservation rates than traditional TURP/laser resection in published trials; not guaranteed.
• Durability: Low retreatment rates in mid‑term data; comparable to established surgeries in many cohorts.
• Continence: Most patients maintain baseline continence; transient urgency or mild stress incontinence can occur and usually improves.

Risks and possible complications

• Common, usually temporary: Burning with urination, frequency/urgency, mild hematuria or clots, fatigue, perineal discomfort, transient urinary retention after catheter removal.
• Less common: Urinary tract infection, significant bleeding requiring transfusion or return to the OR, bladder spasms, prolonged catheterization.
• Uncommon/late: Urethral stricture, bladder neck contracture, persistent erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, need for retreatment.
• Anesthesia‑related: Nausea, sore throat, rare cardiopulmonary events.

Recovery timeline in Korea

• Catheter: Often removed within 24–72 hours; larger prostates or more bleeding may require longer.
• Activity: Light walking immediately; avoid heavy lifting/straining, vigorous exercise, and sexual activity for roughly 2–4 weeks, or as advised by the surgeon.
• Medications: Short courses of antibiotics, analgesics, bladder antispasmodics, and alpha‑blockers are commonly used; blood thinners are managed case‑by‑case with your medical team.
• Follow‑up: Typical checks at 1–2 weeks (or around the time of catheter removal), then 4–6 weeks, 3 months, and at 6–12 months with symptom scores and uroflow/PVR as needed.

Availability and choosing a Korean center

• Hospital types: University‑affiliated and high‑volume tertiary hospitals are the primary providers; adoption is expanding.
• Team expertise: Look for urologists experienced in multiple BPH techniques (Aquablation, HoLEP, TURP) who can tailor the approach to your anatomy and goals.
• Language and support: Many centers have International Healthcare Centers offering interpretation, appointment coordination, and package pricing for self‑pay patients.
• Scheduling: From first consult to surgery, timelines can be efficient—often 1–3 weeks—once pre‑op evaluation is complete and device time is available.

Costs and insurance in Korea

• Cost components: Surgeon and anesthesia fees, device/consumables, operating room time, hospital stay, medications, and pre/post‑op testing.
• Self‑pay estimates: Total costs can vary widely by hospital, prostate size, and length of stay. As a broad reference, self‑pay packages may span several million Korean won; request a personalized quotation that itemizes device fees and inpatient days.
• Insurance coverage: For Korean residents, coverage depends on current reimbursement status and hospital billing category; portions may be non‑reimbursed at some centers. International patients typically self‑pay unless their insurer has a direct billing arrangement with the hospital.
• Confirm in advance: Ask for written estimates, refund policies if surgery plans change, and any additional fees for interpreters or extended hospitalization.

Preparing for Aquablation in Korea

• Before travel/booking:
  • Share prior records: PSA history, imaging, IPSS, medication list, and any urology notes.
  • Clarify goals: Symptom priorities, sexual function concerns, and recovery timeline.
  • Discuss anticoagulants: Never stop blood thinners without coordinated guidance from your prescribing physician and the surgical team.
• On arrival:
  • Pre‑op workup: Labs, urine culture, imaging confirmation, anesthesia evaluation; occasional cystoscopy or urodynamics.
  • Consent and planning: The surgeon reviews the ultrasound mapping approach and expected resection.
• Practical tips:
  • Plan to remain in Korea for at least 5–10 days around the procedure to allow for catheter management and early follow‑up.
  • Bring a summary of medical history, medication list, and allergy details; have contact information for your home physicians.
  • Arrange local support for transportation and lodging close to the hospital for the first few days after discharge.

How Aquablation compares with common alternatives in Korea

• Medications: Alpha‑blockers, 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors, and combination therapy can be effective for mild to moderate symptoms; side effects or inadequate relief may prompt surgery.
• TURP: Long‑standing standard with robust outcomes; higher rates of ejaculatory dysfunction compared with Aquablation in many series.
• HoLEP: Size‑independent, effective in very large glands; excellent durability but a steeper learning curve and longer operative times in massive prostates.
• Rezūm/UroLift and other MISTs: Office‑based or short procedures with quicker recovery; best for selected anatomies and smaller to moderate glands; durability and symptom relief may be less than resection/enucleation in large prostates.
• Open/robotic simple prostatectomy: Reserved for very large glands where enucleation or Aquablation is unsuitable or unavailable.

What to ask your Korean surgeon

• Is my prostate size/anatomy (including median lobe) well‑suited for Aquablation?
• What is your center’s catheter‑free rate at 24–72 hours and your transfusion/return‑to‑OR rates?
• How do you approach ejaculation‑sparing planning and hemostasis?
• What inpatient length of stay do you recommend for my case?
• If Aquablation proves unsuitable intraoperatively, what is the backup plan?
• What are the total costs and which items are non‑reimbursed?

Frequently asked questions

• Will I need a catheter? Yes, typically for 1–3 days. Larger resections may need longer, and some patients may pass small clots after removal.
• How soon will symptoms improve? Many notice better flow within days to weeks, with maximal improvement over 1–3 months.
• What about sexual function? Aquablation is associated with a higher chance of preserving antegrade ejaculation compared with many heat‑based resections, but outcomes vary individually.
• Can very large prostates be treated? Yes, many centers treat large glands successfully; surgeon experience and hemostasis strategies are important determinants.
• What if I’m on blood thinners? Management is individualized. Some patients can proceed with carefully timed interruption or bridging; decisions are made jointly with cardiology/hematology.
• Is pathology reviewed? Tissue removal is ablative rather than en bloc; some centers send retrieved fragments or urine cytology when appropriate, but Aquablation is not designed for cancer diagnosis. Patients with cancer concerns should complete appropriate screening beforehand.

Note This article provides general information and cannot replace personalized medical advice. Patients should consult a qualified urologist to confirm diagnosis, review individualized risks and benefits, and choose the most appropriate therapy.

Who is Aquablation for?

• Adults with bothersome urinary symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms (weak stream, hesitancy, frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, incomplete emptying)
• Men with larger or very large prostates (approximately 30–150+ mL), including glands with a prominent median lobe or complex anatomy
• Those who want to preserve sexual function, particularly ejaculatory function, while treating obstruction
• Patients whose BPH medications (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors) are ineffective, poorly tolerated, or not desired long term
• Individuals experiencing recurrent urinary retention, catheter dependence, or elevated post-void residual due to obstruction
• Patients with complications of BPH such as recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or bladder changes related to chronic obstruction
• Those seeking a non-thermal, image-guided option that avoids heat-based tissue damage
• Men who prefer a definitive, tissue-removing procedure after prior minimally invasive therapies (e.g., implants or water vapor) did not provide sufficient relief
• Patients for whom preservation of continence structures is a priority; real-time imaging helps avoid the urinary sphincter and other critical landmarks
• Individuals who need a surgical option suitable for very large prostates but want to avoid open surgery when possible
• Patients on blood thinners or with higher bleeding risk, where the care team can coordinate perioperative management to balance bleeding and clotting risks
• Candidates who can undergo spinal or general anesthesia and are seeking a typically short procedure with rapid symptom improvement

Cost of Aquablation in Korea

Aquablation pricing varies with hospital tier, anesthesia and inpatient needs, the cost of single‑use disposables, and whether national or private insurance applies. In Korea, list prices for foreign patients are seldom published and are typically provided only after consultation.

• Estimated price range in Korea (low–high): N/A–N/A
  • Notes: Pricing depends on hospital (tertiary university vs. private), length of stay (day-case vs. 1 night), inclusion of pre‑op tests and imaging, and whether any National Health Insurance (NHI) benefits apply to residents. International patient quotes may differ from domestic rates.

How Korea typically compares with other countries (self-pay/private prices unless noted; 2024–2025 indicative ranges; local currency with rough USD equivalents):

• United States (USA): USD $18,000–$35,000 total facility and physician charges before insurance; insured out‑of‑pocket can range from $0 to $7,500+ depending on plan, deductibles, and network status. Korea is often lower than US self‑pay list prices, but may be higher or lower than a US patient’s insured out‑of‑pocket.
• United Kingdom (UK): NHS covers Aquablation in select centers (minimal out‑of‑pocket for eligible residents). Private self‑pay: £8,000–£15,000 (≈ USD $10,000–$19,000). Korea is typically comparable to lower‑to‑mid UK private prices when like‑for‑like inclusions are matched.
• Germany: €8,000–€15,000 (≈ USD $8,500–$16,000). Korea is often in a similar band, depending on hospital tier and package inclusions.
• Spain/Portugal: €6,500–€12,000 (≈ USD $7,000–$13,000). Korea can be similar to or modestly higher than Iberian private centers.
• France/Italy: €7,500–€14,000 (≈ USD $8,000–$15,000) in private settings; public coverage varies. Korea is usually comparable.
• Australia: AUD 12,000–25,000 (≈ USD $7,500–$16,000) self‑pay; with Medicare/private insurance, patient co‑pay often AUD 1,000–6,000. Korea tends to be in the mid‑range relative to Australian self‑pay.
• Canada: Public hospitals may offer Aquablation with provincial coverage in limited centers (little to no out‑of‑pocket for eligible residents). Private/cross‑border cash procedures: ≈ USD $15,000–$25,000. Korea is commonly competitive with Canadian private/cash options.
• Singapore: SGD 18,000–30,000 (≈ USD $13,000–$22,000), with Medisave/insurance offsets for residents. Korea is often lower than Singapore’s private self‑pay at major international hospitals.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): AED 40,000–70,000 (≈ USD $11,000–$19,000). Korea is generally comparable or lower, depending on hospital.
• Thailand: THB 350,000–600,000 (≈ USD $9,500–$16,500) in large private hospitals. Korea is usually higher than Thailand’s lowest private packages but similar to top-tier Thai centers.
• India: INR 500,000–1,200,000 (≈ USD $6,000–$14,500) where available; technology access is center‑specific. Korea is typically higher than India’s lowest private pricing.

What influences your quote in Korea (and abroad):

• Items included: surgeon and anesthesia fees, OR time, AquaBeam consumables, inpatient night, medications, catheter supplies, and immediate post‑op care.
• Pre‑op extras: labs, uroflowmetry, cystoscopy, ultrasound/MRI, cardiac clearance.
• Post‑op: additional nights for monitoring, management of retention/bleeding, or return to OR.
• Patient factors: prostate size, anticoagulation, comorbidities, and need for ICU backup.
• International patient services: translation, coordination fees, and differential pricing for non‑residents.
• Insurance: NHI eligibility (Korea), private insurance authorizations, and network status.

Tips for requesting a comparable estimate:

• Ask for a written, line‑item quote that specifies inclusions/exclusions and the assumed length of stay.
• Confirm the cost of the single‑use Aquablation handpiece and whether it’s itemized.
• Clarify currency, tax, and payment timing; request the foreign‑patient price if applicable.
• Request separate estimates for pre‑op testing and any imaging not included.
• Verify policies for complications or extended stays (per‑diem rates and caps).
• Ask about cancellation/rescheduling fees and refund policies.

Prices and exchange rates fluctuate; always obtain an up‑to‑date, hospital‑specific quote before making decisions.

Alternatives to Aquablation

1) TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

• What it is: The long-standing “gold standard” surgical therapy for BPH. A scope is passed through the urethra and obstructing prostate tissue is shaved away using electric current (monopolar or, more commonly now, bipolar with saline).
• Who it suits: Men with moderate-to-severe symptoms and prostate sizes typically up to ~80–100 mL. Appropriate when durable symptom relief is a priority.
• Advantages:
  • Proven, durable outcomes with marked improvement in flow and symptom scores.
  • Broad availability across secondary and tertiary hospitals in South Korea.
  • Bipolar TURP reduces risks of hyponatremia and allows safer use of saline irrigation.
• Considerations:
  • Usually requires spinal or general anesthesia, 1–3 days of hospitalization, and short-term catheterization.
  • Retrograde ejaculation is common; there is a small risk of bleeding, urethral stricture, or urinary incontinence.
  • Not always ideal for very large glands, where enucleation may be preferred.
• Availability in Korea: Widely performed nationwide and commonly covered under National Health Insurance (NHIS) when clinically indicated.

2) HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate)

• What it is: A laser-based “enucleation” that removes the entire obstructing adenoma endoscopically, akin to an internal prostate “peeling,” followed by morcellation.
• Who it suits: Men with prostates of almost any size, especially large glands (>80–100 mL), those on blood thinners, or those seeking long-term durability comparable to open/robotic simple prostatectomy but with a minimally invasive approach.
• Advantages:
  • Very effective and durable symptom relief with low bleeding risk.
  • Short catheter time; often next-day discharge in experienced centers.
  • Works well in very large prostates, potentially avoiding open surgery.
• Considerations:
  • Retrograde ejaculation is common; temporary stress urinary incontinence can occur during recovery.
  • Requires specialized equipment and significant surgeon experience; outcomes are best at high-volume centers.
• Availability in Korea: Widely available at major urology centers; South Korea has many high-volume HoLEP programs with strong proficiency.

3) Photoselective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP, “GreenLight” Laser)

• What it is: A high-powered laser vaporizes obstructing prostate tissue through a cystoscope, creating a wide channel with minimal bleeding.
• Who it suits: Men with small-to-moderate prostate sizes (roughly 30–80 mL), especially those at higher bleeding risk or who prefer a shorter catheterization/hospital stay.
• Advantages:
  • Reduced bleeding compared with standard TURP; often feasible while continuing certain anticoagulants per protocol.
  • Short catheter time; many cases are outpatient or next-day discharge.
  • Rapid improvement in urinary flow with lower fluid absorption risk.
• Considerations:
  • Retrograde ejaculation can still occur; ejaculatory preservation is not guaranteed.
  • Retreatment rates may be slightly higher than enucleation techniques in some series, especially for larger prostates.
• Availability in Korea: Offered in many laser-equipped hospitals; established track record and generally accessible in urban centers. Coverage varies by clinical indications under NHIS policies.

Conclusion

In summary, Aquablation offers a precise, image-guided, robot-assisted option for treating BPH that can deliver robust symptom relief across a wide range of prostate sizes while better preserving sexual function than many heat- or resection-based procedures; in Korea, access through major tertiary centers with experienced endourology teams and multilingual coordination makes the patient journey streamlined for both locals and medical travelers. Ideal candidates are men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH—including those with large glands—who have not responded to medications or who prioritize ejaculatory function, though individualized evaluation is essential for complex anatomy or comorbidities. Costs in Korea vary by hospital, device fees, anesthesia, length of stay, and insurance eligibility, so it’s wise to request a detailed, itemized quote and clarify what is included (consultations, tests, disposables, admission, and follow-up). When weighing options, compare Aquablation with alternatives such as medication management, TURP, HoLEP, Rezūm, UroLift, or prostatic artery embolization, balancing durability, side-effect profiles, recovery time, and budget. A shared decision-making discussion with a Korean urologist—grounded in your goals, clinical findings, and financial considerations—will help determine whether Aquablation or an alternative is the best fit.