Prostate Artery Embolization: Effective Treatment for Enlarged Prostate Gland

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is an exciting, new, minimally invasive treatment for urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While most available treatments for BPH involve a resection or another form of surgery from inside of the urethra, prostate artery embolization works by shrinking the prostate gland from the outside. This technique leaves the urethra and bladder neck alone, minimizing unwanted side effects.

Prostate artery embolization is a highly technical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist, a medical doctor who specializes in image-guided, minimally invasive interventions.

Prostate artery embolization is an endovascular procedure, meaning the entire process takes place inside of the arteries of the pelvis surrounding the prostate gland. It requires a very small incision, just wide enough to put a needle inside of an artery. Incisions of this size do not require even a single stitch.

Minimally invasive, quick recovery

Once inside the arterial system, a small plastic tube is directed into the arteries supplying blood to the prostate gland. This is accomplished using live X-ray, called fluoroscopy. Once the tube is in place, X-ray contrast is administered to verify the positioning. Then, soft plastic beads measuring less than half of a millimeter are slowly administered into the prostate arteries, blocking off most of the blood supply. This is called embolization.

On average, the procedure takes about an hour, followed by an hour of recovery. This is done as an outpatient in an office, avoiding the need for overnight observation in a hospital or surgery center. Recovery is minimal, with avoidance of heavy lifting the only precaution recommended for 48 hours.

Why should I consider prostate artery embolization?

There are many reasons for patients to consider PAE for the treatment of an enlarged prostate gland.

• Side effects are typically mild and transient.
• There is no requirement to have a urinary catheter placed.
• PAE does not carry a significant risk of sexual side effects, making this procedure one of few good options for sexually active men.
• PAE can be offered for all prostate sizes, even very large prostates (greater than 120 grams). It is now one of few treatments available for prostates of this size, and is often a good approach to try before undergoing surgical removal of the prostate.
• While PAE remains under investigation for treatment of prostate cancer, it can be used to reduce the size of the prostate gland to make patients candidates for minimally invasive cancer treatment, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound.

Austin BPH treatment by the prostate experts

NAU Urology Specialists is one of the few practices in the United States with a multidisciplinary team of subspecialized urology and interventional radiology physicians dedicated to management of urinary symptoms due to enlarged prostate gland. Our Austin BPH treatment team is passionate about providing the right treatment for your prostate issues.

For more information about this minimally invasive treatment for urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate gland, watch our free online educational webinar.

Contact us to learn more about effective treatment for BPH through prostate artery embolization.