University of Utah Health is implementing specialized medical programs designed to address both surgical needs and psychological recovery, including a robotic-assisted procedure for enlarged prostates and a climbing clinic for burn survivors.
New Robotic Prostate Treatment
At Mountain West Medical Center, the urology team offers Aquablation therapy as a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The procedure utilizes an automated robotic system and a high-velocity waterjet to remove prostate tissue through the urethra without using heat. According to Mountain West Medical Center, this non-thermal approach aims to reduce damage to surrounding structures and may help preserve urinary control and sexual function.
Aquablation Procedure Details and Side Effects
The Aquablation procedure is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia and typically lasts less than one hour. While the treatment may involve an overnight stay for observation, potential side effects reported by Mountain West Medical Center include temporary difficulty with urination, blood in the urine, or short-term use of a catheter.
Climbing Clinic for Burn Survivors
In addition to surgical advancements, University of Utah Health’s Burn Center operates the Burn Survivor Climbing Clinic to assist with the psychological trauma associated with severe injuries. As KSL News reported, the six-week clinic brings groups of 10 to 15 survivors together four times per year to improve emotional, cognitive, and social well-being.
Benefits of Therapeutic Climbing
Recreational therapist Eric Bonin stated that the clinic uses climbing to help survivors work toward life skills and goals. For 16-year-old Atticus Jones-Wahlquist, who suffered burns from a gasoline fire at age two, the program helped rebuild confidence that had been impacted by physical and emotional scarring, according to KSL News.
Support Systems and Personal Healing
The climbing program involves volunteers and family members to support survivors through the physical challenges of the sport. Jones-Wahlquist’s father, Ammon Wahlquist, noted that despite initial apprehensions about frustration during climbs, the process has been a significant part of his son's healing journey.
