What are the advantages of prostate artery embolization?
There are numerous reasons to consider choosing prostate artery embolization (PAE) over the traditional surgical treatments for enlarged prostates. Among the advantages of prostate artery embolization are the ease of undergoing the procedure, its favorable side effect profile, the longevity and repeatability of this procedure, and the ability to utilize it along with other BPH treatments.
There are many reasons why men choose PAE
Our North Austin urology surgeons are here to explain what makes this procedure different. One of the main considerations of patients undergoing any procedure is the downtime from work, family or even vacation plans. Prostate artery embolization is performed in an outpatient setting, and it takes about three to four hours from check in to check out. Patients will typically receive deep sedation, meaning that they will sleep through the procedure and wake up in recovery.
Another one of the advantages of prostate artery embolization is that there no instrumentation placed through the penis, and no requirement for a foley catheter afterwards. Once patients have finished recovering, they have to abstain from heavy lifting for the next two days, and then can resume all activities as before the procedure. Sounds too good to be true!
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Dr. Mistry and Dr. Smith discuss interventional radiology and enlarged prostate glands
Why men choose PAE
The mild side effect profile of PAE is typically one of main reasons people will choose this procedure over other options for their enlarged prostate.
The typical side effects patients experience are close to a urinary tract infection or mild worsening of their enlarged prostate symptoms. These typically go away within five days.
Another big advantage of prostate artery embolization is its low risk. Prostate artery embolization does not carry the risk of sexual side effects (retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction) or urinary incontinence, found in other transurethral resection type surgeries. Some men will experience pleasant side effects, such as improved erections and easier bowel movements.
Prostate artery embolization generally lasts for over five years, but in the event it does not provide as much symptom relief as hoped for, all other available options are still on the table. This can’t be said for a transurethral resection or prostate removal, making this factor a big reason why men choose PAE.
Also, our Austin urologists can use PAE to effectively downstage large prostates to a more manageable size, making patients with very large prostates and limited options candidates for other less-invasive procedures.
Explore the advantages of prostate artery embolization
If you’d like to learn more about the advantages of prostate artery embolization and find out whether the procedure is right for you, our North Austin urology surgeons would be happy to discuss your options with you. Contact us to schedule a consultation to learn more about why men choose PAE.
Learn more about Dr. Smith and interventional radiology here.
