Gainesville VA Expands Prostate Care with New Aquablation Technology
By Katie Butler, Public Affairs Specialist
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) is improving access to modern, high quality urologic care with the launch of Aquablation therapy at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Gainesville.
Aquablation is an advanced, robotic, image‑guided treatment for enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), one of the most common conditions affecting aging Veterans.
Gainesville is currently the only medical center in the local area offering this technology, giving Veterans access to a precise and effective treatment option that is not yet widely available in the community.
BPH can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty emptying the bladder. If not treated in a timely manner, BPH can lead to more serious complications, including bladder damage, recurring urinary tract infections, or the inability to fully empty the bladder, sometimes requiring emergency care.
Treatment options vary depending on the size of the prostate, and some traditional procedures may not work well for larger glands. Aquablation helps address these challenges by using a robotic waterjet system guided by real‑time imaging. This approach allows providers to remove extra prostate tissue with a high level of accuracy and consistency across a wide range of prostate sizes.
Aquablation offers a major advantage: it can effectively treat small to very large prostates, ensuring consistent outcomes regardless of gland size. Traditional methods often lose effectiveness as prostate volume increases, which can lead to repeat procedures or the need for more invasive surgery.
The new technology is part of a larger Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 initiative to modernize care across Florida, South Georgia, and Puerto Rico. Last year, VA leaders worked together to acquire Aquablation systems for seven VA medical centers in VISN 8, including Gainesville, Tampa, Bay Pines, Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, and Puerto Rico. This investment supports VA’s focus on improving access, expanding treatment options, and reducing the need for outside referrals when specialized procedures are required.
“Aquablation allows us to provide Veterans with advanced, effective care right here at VA,” said James Mason, MD, Chief of the Urology Section and Deputy Chief of Surgical Service for NF/SGVHS. “It expands what we can treat in‑house, especially for Veterans with larger prostates who may not have had many options before.”
Offering Aquablation in VA facilities may also help reduce repeat procedures and avoid treatments that may be less effective for certain patients. By providing this service directly, VA aims to support better outcomes while ensuring Veterans receive the most appropriate care for their condition.
Veterans who want to learn more about BPH treatment options, including Aquablation, can talk with their primary care provider or request a referral to the Urology Clinic.