What is prostate artery embolization?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. PAE works by reducing blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and alleviating urinary symptoms caused by the enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra.

Why PAE is Done:

• PAE is primarily performed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men where the prostate enlarges and causes urinary issues such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, weak urine flow, and incomplete bladder emptying.
• It’s an alternative to traditional surgical treatments like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and is preferred by some patients because it preserves sexual function and has fewer side effects.

How PAE Works:

• Procedure:
  • The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist and involves a small incision in the groin or wrist.
  • A catheter is inserted into an artery and guided to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate.
  • Tiny particles (microspheres) are injected through the catheter to block the blood vessels that supply the prostate.
  • This reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink over time.
• Imaging:
  • Real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) is used to guide the catheter to the correct arteries.

Benefits of PAE:

• • Minimally invasive: The procedure doesn’t require open surgery, so there are no large incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.
  • Fewer side effects: PAE generally has a lower risk of sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, compared to traditional surgical treatments for BPH.
  • Outpatient procedure: Many patients can go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
  • Improved urinary symptoms: PAE effectively reduces the size of the prostate, leading to better urinary flow and fewer symptoms related to BPH.

Who is a Candidate for PAE:

• • Men with moderate to severe symptoms of BPH who want to avoid surgery.
  • Patients who are not good candidates for surgery due to other health conditions or age.
  • Men who want to preserve sexual function while reducing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.