From left to right: Adam Baumgarten, M.D., Thomas Chi, M.D., James Bryant, M.D.The University of Alabama at Birmingham is growing its robotics portfolio with new technology focused on the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Hydros Robotic System for aquablation of the prostate makes UAB Medicine one of two medical care centers in the state of Alabama to offer aquablation therapy.

The most common prostate condition in men over the age of 50 is benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous condition that impacts the prostate gland. BPH is when the prostate enlarges and constricts the urethra, impacting urinary and potentially sexual reproductive functions.

Aquablation is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which doctors are robotically guided to correct enlarged prostates.

“We are one of two centers in Alabama to offer this cutting edge BPH therapy,” said Adam Baumgarten, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Department of Urology. “This allows for treatment of enlarged prostates while sparing ejaculatory function.”

Able to tailor treatments to the patient’s anatomy, symptoms and goals, this is another addition to the cutting-edge treatments that UAB offers in men’s health. UAB is the only institution in Alabama performing both Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate, or HoLEP, and single-port robotic prostatectomy.

In addition, the UAB Department of Urology is growing with the recruitment of multiple thought leaders in the field, including Thomas Chi, M.D., professor and chair of the UAB Department of Urology, and the Anton J. Bueschen, M.D., Endowed Chair of Urologic Surgery and Research.

“Our goal in the UAB Department of Urology is to offer people many options to treat and improve their quality of life,” Chi said. “A comprehensive BPH program is a priority for us as we seek to fulfill the various and subspecialized needs of our patients.”