Prostate Artery Embolization for BPH
As a National Leader in Comprehensive Prostate Care, Urology Austin is now offering a new minimally invasive treatment option for an enlarged Prostate or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Prostate Artery Embolization is a well-studied, outpatient procedure that has shown to reduce the size of the prostate by 30% and improve symptoms in approximately 90% of patients. With PAE, nothing is inserted into the penis for the procedure and sexual function is preserved.
The Facts About Enlarged Prostate / BPH
- As many as 14 million men in the United States have symptoms of BPH
- 80-90% effective in reduction of symptoms
- 5-7 years durability for relief of symptoms
- By age 60, 50% of men will have some signs of BPH
HOW CAN PAE HELP WITH ENLARGED PROSTATE?
Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by enlarged prostate also known as BPH
PAE is performed by an Interventional Radiologist through a small catheter inserted into the artery in your wrist or groin. The interventional radiologist will then guide the catheter into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate. Tiny round microspheres (particles) are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels that feed your prostate to reduce its blood supply Following this procedure, the prostate will begin to shrink, relieving and improving symptoms usually within days of the procedure. When the prostate reduces in size, (because the blood supply is slowed), there is lessening of obstruction along the urinary pathway and less pressure on the bladder. The animation here shows what happens during the procedure:
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PAE?
- No surgical incision or device inserted into the urethra
- Performed in an outpatient setting under “twilight sleep” with no general anesthesia
- Painless procedure lasting approximately 1 hour
- Very low complication rate and no reports of impotence or incontinence after PAE
- Symptom improvement occurs 2-3 weeks after the procedure
- Return to full activity within one week
Where does prostate artery embolization fit in with the other treatment options for BPH?
The standard approaches to address urinary bother associated with the enlarged prostate are procedures that remove the part of the prostate that blocks the urinary pathway, and include TURP, greenlight laser, and HOLEP. These procedures can provide excellent outcomes for patients but are associated with potential hazards which can include sexual dysfunction, bleeding (which may require blood transfusion), and incontinence.
Alternative minimally invasive surgical techniques now available include Urolift and Rezum. Of note, the minimally invasive procedures are restricted by the size of the prostate, and if the prostate is too large, then the minimally invasive techniques are less likely to provide benefit.
PAE is an increasingly used treatment option for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate enlargement (BPH). It provides an innovative and effective alternative to surgical procedures and offers the opportunity for fewer hazards related to treatment.
If you suffer from the symptoms of enlarged prostate, please talk to your Urologist if you are interested in learning more about PAE and see if you are a candidate for the procedure.