Innovative prostate procedure helps a Houston Methodist patient regain quality of life

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- For nearly two years, recurring infections and hospital stays controlled a local man’s life. What started as frequent urinary tract infections (UTI) eventually caused Steven Anderson to miss nearly 90 days of work and several hospitalizations – but Houston Methodist had a solution.

“I knew I had an enlarged prostate, but no one could figure out why I kept getting so sick,” Anderson said.

The breaking point for Anderson was just before Father’s Day last year, when he was rushed to the emergency room with a 103.9-degree fever and hospitalized. Within weeks, a severe infection spread to his prostate, kidneys and urinary tract, leading to repeated hospital stays, IV antibiotics and relentless pain.

“At that point, I was worried about whether I was going to live or die,” he said.

After being discharged again in late summer, he met with urologist Dr. Steven Sukin at Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. Within minutes, Sukin diagnosed the enlarged prostate as benign prostatic hyperplasia – contributing to Anderson’s chronic UTIs and explained his frequent urination. Sukin recommended a minimally invasive waterjet treatment to remove excess prostate tissue.

“When an enlarged prostate leads to repeated infections and hospitalizations, it can become serious very quickly,” Sukin said. “The waterjet procedure allowed us to treat the root cause of his symptoms and help him regain his quality of life – with no more frequent urges to urinate or straining to empty the bladder.”

The recently developed procedure utilizes imaging software to digitally map the prostate and excess tissue so it can be safely removed while preserving portions of the gland. The surgeon uses a robotically controlled waterjet to rapidly eliminate the problematic prostate tissue.

Since Anderson had the procedure last fall, he has not had a UTI and shared the relief after surgery was immediate and life-changing.

“I sleep through the night now,” Anderson said. “I don’t even remember the last time I had to get up to use the bathroom.”

Anderson said the procedure gave him his life back.

“I don’t live in fear anymore — fear of pain, infection, or wondering where the nearest restroom is,” he said.

Anderson described the care he received at Houston Methodist as organized, reassuring and professional from the moment he arrived. Now, he openly shares his story with others, encouraging men who may be suffering in silence to seek help. He reminds others that they don’t have to continue living with pain, fear or uncertainty.

June marks Men’s Health Month, and Houston Methodist physicians recommend that men schedule a visit with their doctor to discuss their health and any concerns they may have.

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