BBC News Features Jeremy Nettleton and the Aquablation Programme at Cheltenham General Hospital
BBC News has featured the success of the Aquablation programme at Cheltenham General Hospital, which has become the South West’s centre of excellence for the procedure and now attracts patients from across the region and beyond, helping men with enlarged prostates regain their quality of life.
Consultant Urologist Mr Jeremy Nettleton has been a pivotal figure in establishing the programme at Cheltenham and spoke to the BBC about how the treatment works and the outcomes it’s delivering for patients.
How Aquablation Works
Aquablation is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, a condition affecting more than four million men over 50 in England.
The procedure uses ultrasound imaging to map the prostate before a precisely controlled, high-pressure water jet removes excess tissue. An AI system, trained on data from more than 100,000 previous procedures, helps suggest a treatment plan based on the patient’s individual anatomy, although the surgeon remains in full control and makes the final decisions throughout.
Speaking to BBC News, Mr Nettleton explained that although the water jet operates at high pressure, it is closely monitored under ultrasound guidance, allowing him to see exactly what is being removed and work with millimetre accuracy.
Strong Outcomes for Suitable Patients
Discussing the evidence behind the procedure, Mr Nettleton told the BBC that published data shows no new cases of erectile dysfunction following Aquablation, a low rate compared with other tissue-removing procedures. He also noted that ejaculatory function is preserved in around nine out of ten patients, compared with older techniques where most men experience a change. On continence, he said rates of new stress incontinence are under half a percent.
As with all treatments, individual outcomes vary and the most suitable option depends on factors including prostate size, symptoms, general health and personal priorities.
Helping Patients Return to Normal Life
The BBC report also featured patients treated at Cheltenham, including one man who had lived with urinary infections for around 20 years before choosing Aquablation over a traditional procedure, and another who described his recovery as quicker than expected, allowing him to return to normal activities soon afterwards.
Aquablation Is Also Available Privately with Jeremy Nettleton
While the BBC feature focuses on the NHS programme at Cheltenham General Hospital in which Mr Nettleton has been heavily involved, he also offers Aquablation to suitable patients through his private practice at Nuffield Cheltenham, Winfield Glouster or Spire Bristol.
Men experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate can arrange a private consultation with him to discuss their symptoms, investigations and the full range of treatment options, including whether Aquablation is appropriate for them. For patients who would like to explore their options sooner, private consultations are usually available more quickly than through an NHS referral pathway.
Mr Nettleton has extensive experience in Aquablation and regularly treats men across a wide range of prostate sizes and symptom severity.
This NHS work is separate from Mr Nettleton’s private practice and is not connected to or endorsed by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Considering Aquablation?
Find out more about Aquablation treatment or arrange a private consultation with Mr Jeremy Nettleton to discuss whether it may be suitable for you.
Mr Jeremy Nettleton offers private urology consultations at Nuffield Cheltenham, Winfield Gloucester and Spire Bristol. To book an appointment, please contact Mr Nettleton’s team on book@jeremynettleton.co.uk
