Cromwell Hospital is proud to announce the introduction of the new HYDROS® Robotic System, becoming one of the first hospitals in the UK to offer Aquablation® therapy using this next-generation, AI-powered platform. This innovative treatment provides clinically proven, long-lasting symptom relief for men living with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – commonly known as an enlarged prostate – while preserving sexual function and continence. 

BPH is a common consequence of ageing and affects millions of men worldwide. The condition causes a range of urinary symptoms – including the urgent need to urinate, increased daytime frequency, and waking multiple times at night – which can significantly disrupt daily life. If left untreated, BPH can lead to serious complications, including bladder or kidney damage, incontinence, and bladder stones. Studies show that one in two men aged 51–60 experience BPH, and 99% report that it negatively impacts their quality of life. 

A minimally invasive, AI-driven alternative to traditional surgery 

Traditional surgical options for BPH, while effective at relieving symptoms, are often associated with a higher risk of side effects such as sexual dysfunction or loss of continence. Aquablation therapy was specifically designed to address these concerns, providing men with an option that does not require choosing between efficacy and quality of life. 

Aquablation is the only BPH treatment that uses real-time ultrasound imaging combined with robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet technology. This allows surgeons to create a personalised treatment plan that precisely identifies which prostate tissue should be removed and which critical anatomy should be preserved. The result is a highly targeted and consistent procedure tailored to each patient’s unique prostate shape and size. 

Aquablation therapy is supported by five-year clinical data demonstrating durable symptom relief while maintaining sexual function and continence in men with prostates of various sizes. With the introduction of HYDROS®, Cromwell Hospital continues its commitment to providing patients with access to world-leading, evidence-based innovations in urological care. 

Introducing HYDROS® 

Building on insights from more than 150,000 Aquablation procedures worldwide, the HYDROS® Robotic System advances the technology even further. Key features include: 

  • FirstAssist AI™ treatment planning for enhanced precision 
  • advanced image guidance for improved surgical visibility 
  • robotic waterjet resection for consistent, heat-free tissue removal 
  • streamlined workflow designed to improve efficiency and surgical experience 

HYDROS® aims to elevate both patient outcomes and surgical performance by delivering greater accuracy, consistency, and visualisation throughout the procedure. 

Comprehensive imaging for a personalised approach 

The HYDROS® platform integrates advanced ultrasound imaging and digital cystoscopy, giving surgeons a detailed, multidimensional view of the prostate. This imagery enables highly personalised planning that accounts for each patient’s anatomy. Using a robot-controlled, heat-free waterjet, the system follows the surgeon-defined plan to remove obstructive prostate tissue safely and efficiently. 

This approach standardises the procedure across a wide range of prostate sizes and shapes, improving predictability and reinforcing the system’s strong clinical track record. 

Expert insight 

Mr Neil Barber, Consultant Urological Surgeon, performed the first HYDROS® procedure at Cromwell Hospital.  

Mr Barber was instrumental in introducing several new leading-edge treatments to NHS England, including the GreenLight laser in 2002, Urolift in 2014, and Aquablation and iTind in 2019. He is one of the UK’s most experienced Aquablation surgeons.  

“I am delighted to be able to offer patients suffering from enlarged prostate the latest technology with the HYDROS Robotic System at Cromwell Hospital. This latest platform delivers higher quality ultrasound and telescopic views and with ‘AI select’ aiding planning, even quicker and more accurate treatment,”  said Mr Barber.  

Learn more about our urology service and book an appointment today >