TL;DR: Aquablation is AI-guided robotic waterjet prostate surgery preserving ejaculation in 90% of patients (vs 36% for TURP). In Busan, only Seomyeon L Urology (14F Lotte Hotel) is PROCEPT BioRobotics-certified for Aquablation. Cost: USD $4,800–$6,200 all-in vs $12,000–$20,000 in the US.
What is Aquablation?
Aquablation uses the PROCEPT AQUABEAM Robotic System — a 3D ultrasound-guided waterjet that removes obstructing prostate tissue with sub-millimetre precision. Unlike TURP (electrical loop), Aquablation uses no heat, which is why ejaculatory nerves are preserved at a significantly higher rate.
The procedure: General anaesthesia (~40 minutes). TRUS maps the prostate in 3D. The surgeon draws a digital resection boundary avoiding ejaculatory ducts and the external urethral sphincter. The robot executes the plan precisely — no manual technique variation.
WATER Trial Evidence
The WATER randomised controlled trial (Gilling et al., European Urology 2019) is the only head-to-head RCT comparing Aquablation directly against TURP:
• IPSS improvement: Aquablation −15.0 vs TURP −14.0 (non-inferior) • Ejaculation preserved: 90% Aquablation vs 36% TURP (p<0.001) • Adverse events ≥Grade 2: 26% Aquablation vs 42% TURP (p=0.03) • Catheter duration: ~1 day (Aquablation) vs ~5–7 days (TURP)
Symptom relief is equivalent. Ejaculation preservation is significantly better. This is the primary reason sexually active men choose Aquablation.
Seomyeon L Urology — Only Certified Facility in Busan
Seomyeon L Urology (14F Busan Lotte Hotel, Seomyeon) is the only PROCEPT BioRobotics-certified Aquablation facility in Busan as of 2025. Dr. Kim Yang-hu received PROCEPT certification in 2022. The clinic is verifiable at procept-biorobotics.com under 'Find a Provider'.
The Lotte Hotel 14F location means patients recover in the hotel below the clinic — elevator wound checks, no street travel during the first 72 hours post-surgery.
Recovery Timeline for Foreign Patients
Day 0: General anaesthesia, 1-night hospital stay, catheter placed. Day 1–2: Catheter removed. Day 3–4: Pink urine resolves, walking normally. Day 5–7: Short-haul flight clearance (individual). Day 7–10: Long-haul flight clearance. Month 3: IPSS retest to confirm response.
Cost Comparison — Korea vs USA
| Procedure | Busan, Korea (USD) | USA Private | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquablation — Seomyeon L Urology | $4,800–$6,200 | $12,000–$20,000 | ~60% |
| TURP (comparison) | $3,200–$4,200 | $12,000–$20,000 | ~70% |
| UroLift (comparison) | $4,200–$5,400 | $8,000–$14,000 | ~55% |