Historically, transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) has been the default treatment option for those suffering with urinary urgency, retention, urinary leaking, difficulty and pain in passing urine. Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a non-surgical treatment done by Interventional radiologist which is now becoming popular as it carries multiple benefits over surgery.
Data has been established that the symptoms related to prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) are present in about one in four men by the age of 55, and in about one in two men aged above 75 years.
Symptoms of BPH are seen in one out of four men after 55 years and one out of two men after the age of 75 years.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is performed by Interventional Radiologist (IR) who uses X-rays and other advanced medical imaging techniques to see inside your body and treats BPH by reducing the blood supply to the enlarged prostate without the need of surgery.
What are the symptoms of Benign prostate enlargement (BPH)?
As the prostate gets bigger in size, it causes narrowing and eventually blockage of the urethra (urine track) which passes through the prostate gland.
It causes various lower urinary tract problems like:
Urinary incontinence - Mild urine leak to complete loss of bladder control.
Increased frequency of urination.
Pain during urination
Increased urgency of urination
Incomplete urinary bladder emptying
What is Prostate artery embolization (PAE)
Treatment is only necessary if the symptoms become bothersome and causes issues in quality of life.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is performed by Interventional Radiologist (IR) who uses X-rays and other advanced medical imaging techniques to see inside your body and treats BPH by reducing the blood supply to the enlarged prostate without the need of surgery.
A small catheter will be inserted from the groin or arm through a 3mm- hole and will be passed down into the blood vessels supplying the prostate using Xray and other medical imaging guidance.
Small particles are injected into the blood vessels which supply the prostate to reduce the blood supply which results in shrinkage of size of the prostate without the need to remove the prostate surgically.
What are the advantages of Prostate artery embolization (PAE) over surgery?
PAE is a great alternative and a better solution for patients with BPH compared to regular surgery (TURP). Few advantages include:
Less risk of infections.
Extremely comfortable for patients compared to trans-uretheral surgery.
Day care procedure - Requires no long hospitalization - Patients resume their work the next day.
Marked improvement in results in less than a week time.
No bleeding.
Very less side effects compared to TURP (surgery)
Lower risk of sexual side effects (retrograde ejaculation)
Low chances of Erectile dysfunction.
The Best option for those who already had TURP and still have symptoms or had recurrence.
What are the risks and side effects of Prostate artery embolization (PAE)?
PAE is extremely safe procedure when done by an experienced Interventional Radiologist. We, at Dr. Nagateja Vascular and Interventional Radiology have a vast experience of PAE and have had no complications in any of our patients. However, immediately after the procedure, few may have the below side effects, called post-embolization syndrome, which can be controlled with simple medications.
Nausea - Sensation of vomiting.
Vomitings.
Mild non-specific abdominal discomfort.
Infection at the puncture site (groin/arm).
Contact us for more details and we will be happy to interact with you further.
Meanwhile you can watch the above illustrative animation video by Merit Medical
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