Lutheran celebrates first aquablation case

In Q1, Shandra Wilson, MD, Urology,completed Lutheran’s first-ever aquablation procedure to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia using the HYDROS system from PROCEPT.

Aquablation requires the surgeon to use a high-pressure, heat-free water jet to surgically remove overgrown prostate tissue. It’s a minimally invasive technique using robotic automation and real-time imaging for a safer and more precise surgical experience. The total surgery time for Lutheran’s first aquablation case was just 50 minutes.

After the procedure, Wilson said she was extremely impressed with the OR team’s efficiency and eagerness to learn and she shared how excited she is to continue building the aquablation program at Lutheran.

That tracks. Soon after Wilson joined Lutheran’s medical staff, we asked her about her philosophy of care and what it is about her work that gets her blood flowing.

Q: You've been providing care in the community for a long time. Why join Lutheran's medical staff?

A: “I like starting up new programs. That takes grit, it takes vision, it takes patience. I heard Lutheran needed to get a Urology program up and running and couldn't resist. I've heard and seen Lutheran has the best providers, so I know I made a great choice!”

Q: What are your impressions of the medical staff and Lutheran's facilities?

A: “I'm not going to lie. I haven't met everyone, but all of the staff I have met I have really liked - including administration. So many wonderful things are possible when administration and providers partner together!”

Q: How would you describe your philosophy of care?

A: “That one is a very cliché one to me, but it is honestly how I try to practice: Treat everyone how I will want to be treated when I am a patient some day.”

Q: What do you want the medical staff to know about the urology care now offered at Lutheran?

A: “Dr. DJ May and I, along with our NPs, are ready, willing and able to see all of your Urology patients from the mundane to the uber complex. Don't worry about getting all of the pre-testing if you don't have time. Just send them and we'll take care of the rest.”

Welcome and congratulations to the entire team for a successful start to what promises to be a growing program at Lutheran! Physicians with questions about aquablation can contact Wilson via email.