Over 70 men benefit as robotic Aquablation transforms prostate care in Northern Ireland

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Professor Mark Tayor with SET Urology Team 

More than 70 men across Northern Ireland have now undergone pioneering robotic Aquablation surgery since May 2025, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of urology services and elective care reform.

The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) is leading the regional rollout, with the technology already reducing waiting lists, improving outcomes and offering faster, safer and more effective treatment for men with enlarged prostates.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt welcomed the progress, describing the coordinated approach as a model for future reform.

“This is an excellent example of our health and social care system working together to deliver real progress for patients,” he said.

“The expansion of Aquablation surgery shows what is possible when clinical teams, commissioners and Trusts collaborate with a clear focus on improving outcomes and reducing waiting lists. This is exactly the type of innovation and best-practice reform set out in the Elective Care Framework.”

Transforming treatment for enlarged prostates

Around 750 men each year in Northern Ireland require bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) surgery, making it one of the largest urology waiting list cohorts. Rising demand and lengthening waits have created a pressing need for modern, efficient and equitable treatment pathways.

Aquablation offers a minimally invasive, robot-assisted solution. Using high-pressure water jets to precisely remove excess prostate tissue, the technique reduces the risk of complications, shortens recovery time and increases operating theatre efficiency. It is especially effective for men with larger or complex glands, many of whom previously had limited treatment options.

Positive results and growing capacity

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Professor Mark Tayor with SET Urology Team 

The first Aquablation procedure in Northern Ireland was completed by SEHSCT in May 2025. By the end of December 2025, more than 76 men are expected to have been treated, with outcomes described as “extremely positive”.

Complication rates are low, and 96.9% of patients report an extremely positive experience, according to Trust figures.

Clinical Lead for Urology, Mr Brian Duggan, said the programme demonstrates the power of regional collaboration.

“This is a truly regional service built on strategic planning, clinical leadership and multidisciplinary teamwork,” he said.

“Aquablation is transforming outcomes for men with enlarged prostates, including those with large and complex glands. With more surgeons becoming accredited, the South Eastern Trust is rapidly scaling up capacity to ensure patients across Northern Ireland benefit from this innovation.”

Two urology surgeons are fully trained in Aquablation, with two more currently undertaking accreditation. By 2026, four SEHSCT consultants will be qualified to deliver the procedure, enabling higher patient throughput and paving the way for day-case surgery—further reducing waits and hospital stays.

A region-wide service delivering equitable access

The service has treated patients from across Northern Ireland: 50% from the Belfast Trust, 40% from the South Eastern Trust and 10% from other Trusts. This, the Trust says, demonstrates a truly regional model where care is based on clinical need rather than postcode.

The Aquablation Team was recently named Hospital Team of the Year at the Chairman’s SET Stars awards in recognition of its innovation and impact.

Minister Nesbitt said the programme reflects the long-term reform ambitions of the Elective Care Framework.

“By embedding best practice, investing in modern technology and strengthening regional collaboration, we are delivering long-term, sustainable reform,” he said.

“This is about transforming lives, restoring quality of life and ensuring all patients across Northern Ireland have timely access to modern, effective treatment.”

Next steps in 2026

The Trust plans to further develop and expand the service in 2026, including treating larger and more complex prostates, trialling day-case procedures and enhancing long-term outcome monitoring.

Regional collaboration through the urology network will remain central to ensuring equitable access to BOO surgery and a full suite of treatment options.

Officials say the initiative marks a major step forward in delivering the Elective Care Framework’s goals—reducing waiting lists, modernising patient pathways and ensuring a more unified, coordinated health service for the region.