If you’re suffering from urinary problems such as needing to urinate more frequently or having difficulty urinating, you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) otherwise known as an enlarged prostate. BPH is extremely common, so much so that around 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have the condition. That number jumps to 70% among men between 61 and 69 and 80% for men over 70.
Fortunately, BPH is a non-cancerous condition which only requires treatment if the symptoms start to interfere with an individual’s quality of life.
While there are many treatments for BPH, this article focuses on prostate artery embolization (PAE) and answers many of the commonly asked questions. Having a better understanding of PAE should help you decide whether it’s right for you. However, you should, of course, always consult with your doctor for a diagnosis and medical advice.
Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about the benefits of PAE, risks, preparation, recovery, and suitability for your specific needs.
Q: What advantages does prostate artery embolization offer?
A: Prostate artery embolization (PAE) stands out as a minimally invasive solution for an enlarged prostate. An interventional radiologist utilises imaging technology and precision tools to perform a procedure that effectively shrinks the prostate by cutting off its blood supply, negating the need for open surgery, and promoting a faster recovery. As a result, patients can normally go home on the same day with a Band-Aid rather than an incision.
Q: Are there any risks?
A: Complications rarely occur when PAE is performed by an experienced interventional radiologist. However, some patients may experience “post-PAE syndrome” which can include nausea, vomiting, pelvic pain, fever, or painful or frequent urination.
Potential risks include:
Throughout the procedure, your doctor will conduct specialized 3-dimensional scans to verify the precise delivery of the blockage particles to the prostate gland.
Q: What are the benefits of PAE versus TURP?
A: Prostate artery embolization improves urinary tract symptoms in a manner comparable to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), a surgical method employed for treating an enlarged prostate. Nevertheless, PAE offers distinct advantages over TURP, such as:
Q: What’s involved during prostate artery embolization?
A: Once prepared for the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb your wrist or groin area. Subsequently, a needle is inserted to facilitate the placement of a catheter, guided by an X-ray technique called fluoroscopy to reach the blood vessels supplying the prostate.
After positioning the catheter, an arteriogram is performed by injecting a contrast dye to visualize the blood supply to the prostate. Following this, a synthetic embolic agent, resembling grains of sand, will be slowly injected through the catheter, blocking the blood flow to the prostate vessels. The procedure continues for several minutes until complete blood flow obstruction is achieved. The catheter will then be repositioned on the opposite side of the prostate, repeating the process.
Typically completed in under an hour, the prostate artery embolization procedure is followed by recovery in a private room.
Q: How long does it take to recover after prostate artery embolization?
A: Since PAE is a minimally invasive procedure, most individuals only experience minor symptoms during the first few days of recovery, which may include:
Some patients may also encounter a brief escalation in urinary frequency, urgency, blood in urine, and a burning sensation during urination.
Before and following the procedure, you will be prescribed medications to mitigate the risk of blockages affecting urine flow, infection, and discomfort.
After undergoing this procedure, the prostate will start to reduce in size, typically leading to the alleviation and improvement of symptoms, which are often observed within one to two days.
Patients are advised to avoid activities that could directly impact the puncture site, such as heavy lifting and aerobic exercise during the first few days. However, most normal activities can be resumed the day after the procedure.
Post-Procedure Care
A follow-up appointment will be arranged for you within one to four weeks following the procedure. Additionally, we may recommend imaging tests to assess the status of the prostate three to six months post-procedure.
Q: Why undergo prostatic artery embolization?
A: As the prostate enlarges, it can compress or partially obstruct the urethra, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms that may include:
For certain individuals, these symptoms can significantly impact their quality of life.
Q: Am I a candidate for prostate artery embolization?
A: Determining the suitability of prostate artery embolization as a treatment for you involves consulting with an interventional radiologist. Ideal candidates for this procedure typically include men who:
Research indicates that nearly 90 percent of patients witness improvement following prostate artery embolization, with many maintaining positive results for up to ten years.
An appointment will be scheduled at MINT to assess your candidacy for prostate artery embolization. This examination may encompass a health history review, urine test, rectal exam, and MRI or ultrasound imaging to determine prostate size. As with any medical intervention, it’s essential to discuss the latest clinical data with our interventional radiologist before making decisions about the most suitable treatment for you.
You may be suited to prostate artery embolization if you:
Q. Is prostate artery embolization covered by insurance?
A. Yes, in most cases. It is advisable to verify with your insurance provider to confirm whether your plan includes coverage for the procedure.
If life with an enlarged prostate is getting you down, then why not schedule an appointment with the specialists at MINT to assess your suitability and discuss PAE in more detail?
