More Time Living, Less Time Worrying

Photo by Wanda Cox

For years, both Larry Urzua and Paul Larsen adjusted their lives around the frustrating symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

For Larry, 71, frequent trips to the bathroom made travel increasingly challenging. For Paul, 79, recurring urinary tract infections eventually became so severe that one sent him to urgent care in debilitating pain.

Today, both men are back to enjoying their lives with greater freedom—thanks to Aquablation therapy at Cottage Health.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, affects many men as they age. The condition can lead to frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary tract infections and other complications that can significantly impact quality of life.

Larry had been dealing with prostate issues for years under the care of Cottage urologist Dr. Scott Tobis. A previous UroLift procedure initially helped relieve his symptoms, but over time his prostate continued to grow and the problems returned.

"It got to the point where it was either finding another option or wearing Depends the rest of my life," Larry says.

Paul's symptoms followed a different path. Although he had known for years that he had an enlarged prostate, things became more urgent after he experienced three urinary tract infections within a single year.

"The third one was so painful that I knew I needed to do something," Paul says. "I never wanted to go through that again."

Both men ultimately chose Aquablation, a minimally invasive procedure that combines real-time ultrasound imaging, robotic technology and a heat-free waterjet to precisely remove obstructive prostate tissue.

Cottage Health has offered the procedure since 2022 and has performed more than 1,000 procedures. Currently, nine Cottage doctors offer Aquablation, helping patients find lasting relief from BPH symptoms.

One of Aquablation's key advantages is its precision. Because surgeons can visualize the entire prostate during treatment, the procedure can effectively treat many men who previously may have required a more invasive surgical approach.

"Many men assume urinary symptoms are simply part of aging, but they don't have to live that way," says Dr. Tobis. "Aquablation offers a minimally invasive option that can provide significant, long-lasting relief and help patients get back to the activities they enjoy."

For both patients, the procedure delivered exactly that.

"There was no pain during the procedure or afterward," Larry says. "Everybody is always very attentive to your needs. Cottage is very welcoming with open arms. They're there for you every step of the way."

Paul was equally impressed with his care.

"Every single person that I met at Cottage was terrific—from the person who checked me in to the nurses and everyone who checked on me afterward," he says. "I give them all a grade A+."

Today, Larry frequently travels across the country to watch his six grandchildren compete in sporting events and no longer worries about finding a restroom during long flights.

Meanwhile, Paul is sleeping through the night and has remained free of the recurring infections that once disrupted his life.

"This procedure changed my life," Paul says. "Dr. Tobis changed my life. I'm not going to have any more UTIs."

For both men, relief meant more than just improved symptoms—it meant getting back to the moments that matter.