New London, CT
(June 12, 2025) – Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (L+M) has successfully performed its first minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgical procedure using a high-velocity, heat-free waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue, providing long-lasting relief for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The surgery was performed by L+M Urologist
Timothy Tran, MD, associate professor of Urology, Yale School of Medicine.
BPH is a common condition in men. As men age, the prostate gland grows and can cause various urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a weak urine stream. While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be related to hormonal changes and aging. Treatment options range from watchful waiting and lifestyle changes to medications and surgery.
“This is an exciting development for men’s health in our region,” said
Oliver Mayorga, MD, chief medical officer, L+M Hospital. “The addition of this procedure to our array of options for prostate issues reflects our commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology and exceptional care to patients throughout eastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island.”
Utilizing the precision of robotics, while harnessing the heat-free power of water, Aquablation uses high-pressure saline to remove excess prostate tissue present in BPH patients to relieve the pressure that the prostate has placed on the urethra and possibly the bladder. The procedure combines real-time visualization using a cystoscope (a thin camera) and ultrasound imaging to give the surgeon a complete, multi-dimensional view of the prostate.
The treatment is performed in the hospital under anesthesia.
Approximately half of men have BPH by age 60, and the prevalence increases significantly with age, reaching 80% in men over 70. More specifically, it affects over 42 million men in the US and over 660 million men worldwide. Although they can coexist, BPH is a non-cancerous condition, and having an enlarged prostate doesn't increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Learn more about Aquablation and other urologic procedures offered at L+M or call
844-817-9171 to make an appointment.
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, a member of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit, 308-bed general and acute care hospital providing patient care to medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatric and obstetrical patients in southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island since 1912. Lawrence + Memorial offers cardiac acute, step-down and rehabilitation programs and is the only eastern Connecticut hospital that performs emergency and elective angioplasty. www.lmhospital.org
