EAU Guidelines Upgrade Aquablation® Therapy to Strong Surgical Recommendation for BPH
Rhea-AI Summary
PROCEPT BioRobotics (Nasdaq: PRCT) highlighted the European Association of Urology upgrade of Aquablation therapy to a strong surgical recommendation for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on March 23, 2026.
The guidelines cite randomized trials (WATER, WATER II, WATER III) and expanded evidence for larger prostate anatomies, and note complementary support from UK NICE for routine NHS use.
Positive
- EAU upgrade to a strong recommendation for Aquablation therapy
- Randomized trial backing from WATER, WATER II, and WATER III
- Broader anatomy support including evidence for larger prostate glands
- NICE endorsement supporting routine NHS use
Negative
- None.
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
PRCT was up 0.43% while key medical device peers like ATEC, INSP, QDEL, HAE and LIVN showed declines between about -0.31% and -7.86%, pointing to stock-specific dynamics rather than a sector-wide move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 12 | Product launch | Positive | -6.0% | International launch of HYDROS AI-enabled Aquablation robotic system. |
| Feb 26 | Investor Day outlook | Positive | -15.1% | Multi-year growth outlook with revenue, procedure and margin targets. |
| Feb 25 | Earnings and guidance | Positive | +2.1% | Strong 2025 growth and 2026 guidance for higher revenue and margins. |
| Feb 23 | Conference timing | Neutral | -0.4% | Rescheduled Q4 2025 earnings call and Investor Day dates. |
| Feb 4 | Conference attendance | Neutral | -5.3% | Planned participation at two March 2026 healthcare investor conferences. |
Recent history shows frequent negative or muted price reactions around otherwise constructive business updates, with only one clear positive alignment on earnings.
Over the last few months, PRCT has reported strong operating momentum and strategic progress around Aquablation therapy. Q4 2025 results on Feb 25 showed revenue of $76.4M and full-year 2025 revenue of $308.1M, with guidance for $390–$410M in 2026, and the stock rose 2.13%. However, an upbeat 2026 Investor Day on Feb 26 and the international launch of the HYDROS AI-enabled system on Mar 12 saw shares fall 15.12% and 6.04%, respectively. The current EAU guideline upgrade adds further clinical validation to this trajectory.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights a major clinical validation milestone: the European Association of Urology upgraded Aquablation therapy to a strong recommendation for surgical treatment of BPH, positioning it alongside TURP, especially for men wishing to preserve ejaculatory function. It builds on prior updates such as the HYDROS AI-enabled launch on Mar 12 and strong 2025 financial growth reported on Feb 25. Investors may watch future procedure volumes, geographic adoption trends, and additional trial results like WATER III to gauge the commercial impact.
Key Terms
benign prostatic hyperplasia medical
lower urinary tract symptoms medical
aquablation therapy medical
transurethral resection of the prostate medical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Updated European Association of Urology guidelines reflect growing clinical evidence supporting Aquablation therapy in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia
SAN JOSE, Calif., March 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PROCEPT BioRobotics® (Nasdaq: PRCT) today highlighted the latest update to the European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which include an upgrade of Aquablation therapy to a strong recommendation as a surgical treatment option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The EAU guidelines are widely regarded as one of the most rigorous and influential clinical guideline frameworks in urology globally. The updated guidelines now strongly recommend offering Aquablation therapy as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for men with moderate-to-severe urinary symptoms due to BPH, particularly for patients interested in preserving ejaculatory function. This upgrade indicates strong evidence quality and a favorable balance between benefit, harm, and patient preference.
Guidelines are supported by outcomes from multiple clinical trials on Aquablation therapy, including WATER, a randomized trial against TURP, and WATER II trials demonstrating durable improvements in urinary symptoms and preservation of sexual and urinary function. The guidelines also now recognize evidence supporting Aquablation therapy across a broad range of prostate anatomies, including larger prostate glands, with additional evidence continuing to emerge from recently published studies such as WATER III, a randomized trial against laser enucleation in large glands.
“The strength of the clinical evidence supporting Aquablation therapy continues to grow, and this guideline upgrade from the European Association of Urology represents an important milestone for Aquablation therapy,” said Larry Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer of PROCEPT BioRobotics.
“A strong recommendation from one of the most respected global guideline bodies reflects the strength of the clinical evidence supporting Aquablation therapy and reinforces its role as a modern surgical option for physicians seeking to deliver durable symptom relief while preserving quality-of-life outcomes that matter most to patients,” said Evangelos Liatsikos, MD, PhD, Professor of Urology and Chairman of the Department of Urology at the University of Patras, Greece, and Chairman of the European School of Urology (ESU).
Recognition from the EAU adds to growing international clinical validation for Aquablation therapy, including support from health technology assessment bodies such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the United Kingdom supporting the routine use of Aquablation therapy within the NHS.
About PROCEPT BioRobotics® Corporation
PROCEPT BioRobotics is a surgical robotics company focused on advancing patient care by developing transformative solutions in urology. PROCEPT BioRobotics manufactures the AQUABEAM® and HYDROS® Robotic Systems. The HYDROS Robotic System is the only AI-powered, robotic technology that delivers Aquablation therapy. PROCEPT BioRobotics designed Aquablation therapy to deliver effective, safe, and durable outcomes for males suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms or LUTS, due to BPH that are independent of prostate size and shape or surgeon experience. BPH is the most common prostate disease and impacts approximately 40 million men in the United States. The Company has developed a significant and growing body of clinical evidence with approximately 250 peer-reviewed publications, supporting the benefits and clinical advantages of Aquablation therapy.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in such statements. PROCEPT BioRobotics undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Important Safety Information
All surgical treatments have inherent and associated side effects. For a list of potential side effects visit https://aquablation.com/safety-information/
Media Contact:
Matt Bacso
Vice President, Investor Relations and Business Operations
PROCEPT BioRobotics
m.bacso@procept-biorobotics.com
FAQ
What does the EAU upgrade for Aquablation therapy mean for PRCT stock (PRCT)?
Which clinical trials support the EAU recommendation for Aquablation (PRCT)?
Does the EAU guidance say Aquablation preserves sexual function for BPH patients (PRCT)?
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