How Does Prostate Artery Embolization Work And What to Expect

How does prostate artery embolization work? You may be asking this question if your doctor has suggested this procedure to relieve your BPH symptoms. This article explains how PAE works and what you can expect. So, let’s dive in and get started.

One thing many men over the age of 50 have in common is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or in simple terms, an enlarged prostate. The prostate increases in volume causing symptoms such as difficulty urinating, incomplete emptying of the bladder, frequent urination and incontinence. Studies have shown that 56% of men between the ages of 50 and 79 have reported BPH symptoms and this percentage increases in patients over the age of 80.  

Fortunately, BPH is a non-cancerous condition and doesn’t always require PAE treatment unless your symptoms are getting in the way of everyday living and interrupting your sleep.

What is prostate artery embolization and how does it work?

Prostate artery embolization is a safe and highly effective minimally invasive treatment for BPH that shrinks the size of the prostate as opposed to cutting away prostate tissue as traditional surgeries do. PAE works by limiting the blood supply to the prostate causing the gland to shrink in volume and easing uncomfortable urinary symptoms.

The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, a specialist who uses imaging technologies and tiny tools to carry out procedures that would otherwise entail open surgery and an extended recovery period. Typically, this means most patients can leave the clinic on the same day as their procedure and continue their recovery in the comfort of their homes.

Am I a good candidate for PAE?

To learn if PAE is a suitable treatment for you, it’s necessary to schedule a consultation with a highly experienced interventional radiologist. You may be a good candidate if:

• Your BPH symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
• You have suffered an allergic reaction or side effects from prescribed medications.
• You can’t undergo surgery or prefer not to.
• You want to preserve sexual function.

Studies have shown clinical success rates of between 82-90% with many patients maintaining improved results for up to 5 years and longer following the procedure.

An interventional radiologist will review your medical history, ask for a urine test and possibly a rectal exam and use MRI or ultrasound imaging to determine the size of your prostate. If you have problems with your kidneys or an allergy to contrast dye, PAE may not be right for you.

How does prostate embolization work?– A simple guide to the procedure

As with most medical interventions, you’ll be asked not to eat or drink anything other than water, on the day before your procedure,

Once you’re ready for the procedure, the first step will be to administer local anesthesia to your groin area or wrist (depending on your anatomy) to numb the area and alleviate any discomfort you may feel during the procedure.

A small incision of around a quarter of an inch is made so that a small narrow tube can be inserted.

The tube provides access for a thin catheter which will assist the interventional radiologist in reaching the vessels supplying blood to the prostate.

The tube is guided toward the prostate with the aid of an X-ray technique called a fluoroscopy. This shows a continuous real-time image on a monitor, allowing the radiologist to view the area in great detail and perform the embolization with precision.

When the catheter is in its correct position, a contrast dye is injected, highlighting the main arteries that supply blood to the prostate.

This procedure, called an arteriogram is followed by embolization which involves injecting thousands of embolic particles (no bigger than a grain of sand) into specific arteries feeding the prostate.

These particles mingle with the blood as it flows towards the prostate, eventually becoming lodged inside the vessels. The procedure is continued for several minutes until the vessels are completely blocked.

The catheter is then moved to the other side of the prostate and the procedure is repeated in the same way.

Depending on the size and location of the arteries, the procedure takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

Prostate embolization works by effectively starving the prostate of blood and because it is no longer receiving the nutrients it needs to grow it gradually shrinks over several weeks.

As the prostate shrinks, it removes any pressure on the urethra, opening it up and allowing urine to flow more freely. Gradually, any urinary symptoms disappear and patients start to feel more like their old selves.

You’ll be pleased to know that shrinking the prostate does not affect sexual function. What’s more, a small number of patients find their sexual function improves after the PAE procedure!

Typically, patients need around 4 days at home to recover and can usually return to work within a week to 10 days.

Are there any side effects?

When performed by an experienced interventional radiologist, the risk of complications is extremely low and the procedure is incredibly safe and effective.

The main complications include post-PAE syndrome consisting of pain, low-grade fever, nausea, and/or painful urination.

Potential risks and benefits will be discussed during your consultation with an interventional radiologist.

Benefits of PAE over traditional surgeries

PAE offers several advantages over conventional prostate surgeries like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) and prostatectomy:

• Minimally invasive: No incisions, reducing risks of infection and complications.
• Lower risk of sexual dysfunction: Unlike traditional surgery, PAE has a much lower risk of causing erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation.
• Quick recovery: Most men return to normal activities within a week.
• Effective for larger prostates: PAE is an excellent option for men with larger prostates who may not be ideal candidates for surgery.

Hopefully, now you have the answer to your question “How does prostate artery embolization work?” you can decide whether embolization is a procedure you would like to consider.

Take control of your prostate health

If you’re considering prostate artery embolization, the team at MINT STL is here to help. Our experienced interventional radiologists specialize in PAE, providing expert care tailored to your needs.

Don’t let BPH control your life—schedule a consultation with MINT STL today and discover how PAE can help you regain comfort and confidence.