What is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. As the prostate grows, it can exert pressure on the urethra, leading to various urinary symptoms. While BPH is not life-threatening, it can significantly impact quality of life.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

Symptoms of BPH can include frequent urination, especially at night, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. In some cases, individuals may experience urgency or straining during urination.

What is Prostate Artery Embolization?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat BPH. During the procedure, small particles are injected into the blood vessels supplying the prostate, reducing its blood flow and causing the gland to shrink, thereby alleviating urinary symptoms. The most recent American Urological Association guidelines support PAE as a treatment option for BPH.

What are my treatment options?

Treatment options for BPH range from lifestyle changes and medication to more invasive procedures. Medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can help manage symptoms. Surgical options, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) requires a tube to be placed through the urethra in the penis. PAE is the minimally invasive option we offer to our patients to avoid surgery while achieving the same results.

Prostate embolization is performed by a specialized interventional radiologist. Using imaging guidance, a catheter is inserted through a small incision, typically in the groin. We navigate the catheter to the prostate arteries and inject embolic agents to block blood flow, effectively reducing the size of the prostate.

What are the advantages over surgery?

The advantages of prostate embolization over traditional surgery include a lower risk of complications, shorter recovery time, and less pain. Patients often experience immediate relief from symptoms and can return to normal activities more quickly than with surgical options.

What are the disadvantages of embolization?

While prostate embolization is generally safe, some disadvantages include the potential for incomplete relief of symptoms, the possibility of needing further treatments, and rare complications like infection or bleeding.

Can I still have surgery if I have prostate artery embolization?

Yes, patients can still opt for surgery after undergoing prostate artery embolization if needed. In fact, we often help our urologist colleagues by doing this embolization right before surgery for certain special cases.

What is the recovery for the procedure?

Recovery from prostate artery embolization is typically quick. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days. Some may experience mild discomfort or urinary symptoms initially, but these usually improve significantly within a week or two.

Should I consult a urologist?

Yes, we work closely with our urologist colleagues to ensure this is the right treatment option for you. Sometimes, surgery is the better option and we aim to find the answer to that question by collaborating closely with urologists. We may even have you see a urologist before scheduling you for the procedure.