FORT WORTH, Texas— Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance now offers a minimally invasive procedure for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. With this procedure, physicians use a heat-free robot-assisted water jet tool to remove obstructive prostate tissue.

“We are expanding our medical services and adding new technology to make healthcare more accessible,” said Monika Mathur, M.D., chief quality and medical officer, Texas Health Alliance. “This new therapy is another example of how we are growing with the region and partnering with our communities to build a stronger, healthier future together.”

About half of men ages 51 through 60 have BPH, and up to 90% of men over age 80 have it, according to the Urology Care Foundation.

Men diagnosed with BPH have trouble emptying their bladder. Symptoms include difficulty starting urination, interrupted urine stream and straining to urinate. If the condition worsens, it can impact kidney function and, in some cases, result in the need for a catheter to prevent the obstruction of urine flow.

“BPH is really disruptive,” said Lauren Beeder, M.D., a urologist on the medical staff at Texas Health Alliance who performs the procedure. “This is a minimally invasive procedure. Patients recover quickly and get back their daily routines.”

Beeder said she uses the technology to make a custom map of a patient’s prostate and define the treatment field. She then uses the robotic-assisted water jet tool to target the problematic tissue.

“It’s important for patients to have options close to home, so they don’t have to travel too far away for their treatment,” Beeder said. “That can be a burden, especially for older patients.”

Texas Health Alliance serves more than 50,000 patients annually in a fast-growing region that includes north Fort Worth, Haslet, Keller, Justin, Roanoke and surrounding areas.

To find a provider, schedule nearby care, reserve urgent care or access a video visit, check out Texas Health Connect.