If you’re struggling with the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) you’re certainly not alone. Around 50% of men between the ages of 51-60 have the condition and this percentage increases to 80% in men over 70. Not everyone requires treatment, but for those who find the condition affects their quality of life, PAE is a fast and minimally invasive treatment option. But how successful is prostrate artery embolization? To answer this question, we need to discuss BPH in more detail. So, let’s get started.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostate and its adjacent tissue undergo an expansion. The prostate goes through two significant growth phases during a man's life. The initial phase transpires early in puberty, resulting in a doubling of the prostate's size. The second phase commences around the age of 25 and persists throughout most of a man's lifespan. As a man ages, the prostate gradually increases in size, with BPH occurring when it becomes sufficiently enlarged to create issues.
The enlarged prostate exerts pressure on the urethra, leading to a thickening of the bladder wall. Over time, the bladder may experience weakening, losing its ability to fully empty. Consequently, urine may linger in the bladder. These developments contribute to many of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH. Understanding the mechanisms through which BPH induces symptoms is vital for your healthcare team to assess whether and what type of treatment might be recommended.
The prostate plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to produce fluid for semen. Approximately the size of a walnut and weighing around an ounce, the prostate is positioned beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. It encircles a tube known as the urethra, through which urine travels from the bladder and exits through the penis.
The risk for BPH increases with age, particularly in men over the age of 50. Additionally, heightened risk factors include:
These factors contribute to the likelihood of developing symptoms associated with BPH, which include:
So now you have a better understanding of BPH, let’s take a look at PAE.
Prostate artery embolization is a relatively recent outpatient procedure that employs X-ray technology to address an enlarged prostate. This technique was first introduced in 2012 and has gained popularity over the years.
During a PAE session, an interventional radiologist, such as Dr. Akinwande, accesses the blood vessels that supply the prostate and intervenes to restrict blood flow. Dr. Akinwande makes a small incision in the wrist or groin, releasing microscopic plastic beads (microspheres) into the arteries. These beads travel to the prostatic arteries, where they are strategically positioned to obstruct the blood flow responsible for the gland's enlargement.
Prostate artery embolization boasts a success rate exceeding 90%, providing relief for the majority of men within the initial year. Notably, unlike alternative treatments that might result in undesirable sexual side effects, PAE does not impact sexual performance.
Furthermore, supplementary research suggests that prostate artery embolization (PAE) maintains its efficacy over the long term for treating an enlarged prostate. A recent examination of men who underwent PAE revealed that 82% continued to experience success three years post-procedure, with approximately 78% maintaining positive outcomes beyond the three-year milestone.
The optimal treatment approach for your enlarged prostate depends upon your individual symptoms, overall health, and age. Dr. Akinwande assesses factors such as the size of your prostate and your general health to formulate a tailored treatment plan.
While medication is the most prevalent treatment for an enlarged prostate, prostate artery embolization (PAE) may be a suitable option if:
It's important to note that individuals allergic to contrast dye or those with non-functioning kidneys are not eligible candidates for PAE.
Hopefully, the above information has helped answer your question “How successful is prostate artery embolization?”
If struggling with the side effects of an enlarged prostate is getting you down, prostate artery embolization could be the solution you've been seeking. Explore further by reaching out to the experts at MINT or request an appointment online today!
