Mercyhealth launches Aquablation robotic waterjet treatment program

Hariharan Ganapathi, MD, Chief of Urology and Medical Director of Urologic Oncology and Robotic Surgery at Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center-Janesville, and his team are pleased to announce the successful launch of the Aquablation robotic waterjet treatment program, a first of its kind in the region.

Aquablation is a robotic, image-guided waterjet treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. Performed using the HYDROS™ next generation robotic system, the technology combines advanced ultrasound imaging, digital cystoscopy, robotic precision, and AI-assisted treatment planning to deliver a personalized treatment approach. Aquablation is designed to relieve urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement while minimizing potential side effects related to sexual function and continence. It is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery for benign prostate enlargement.

Patients typically qualify based on moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms from BPH, prostate size, symptom severity, and failure or intolerance of medical therapy. Each patient is individually evaluated to determine the most appropriate treatment option.

Patients interested in learning more can contact the Urology department at the Mercyhealth Michael Berry Building in Janesville for a consultation and evaluation at (608) 756-6588.

Dr. Ganapathi earned his medical degree at Madras Medical College, India. He served a surgery and urology residency at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, India. He then completed an endourology fellowship (three years of advanced robotic urology training) at the Global Robotics Institute at Florida Hospital Celebration Health, Celebration, FL. Prior to joining Mercyhealth, he served on the faculty and trained urology residents within the Florida State University system for eight years.

Dr. Ganapathi's special interests include urologic cancers, including prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer; robot-assisted surgery; and treatment of complex kidney stone disease using advanced techniques such as mini-PCNL.

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