Non-Surgical Prostate Enlargement Treatment: Is Prostate Artery Embolisation Right for You?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as prostate enlargement, is a condition frequently encountered by men as they age. It can lead to bothersome symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and waking up at night. Although traditional surgical treatment options are available, minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment methods are becoming increasingly preferred today. One such method is Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE), performed by Interventional Radiology specialists.

What is Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE)?

Prostate Artery Embolisation is a non-surgical treatment that reduces blood flow to the enlarged prostate, causing it to shrink and alleviating symptoms. Under local anaesthesia, a thin catheter (tube) is inserted through the groin area to reach the arteries supplying the prostate, and special microspheres are injected into these vessels to block blood flow.

How is PAE Performed?

• Local Anaesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you will be awake, with only your groin area numbed. This is a significant advantage for patients who wish to avoid the risks of general anaesthesia.
• Catheter Insertion: An experienced interventional radiologist inserts a very thin catheter into one of the arteries in your groin.
• Targeting: Guided by X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), the catheter is advanced to the arteries supplying the prostate. At this stage, contrast dye may be used to clearly visualise the vessel structure.
• Embolisation: Very small, biocompatible (body-compatible) microspheres, which block blood flow, are injected into the target arteries. These microspheres obstruct the vessels that carry blood to the prostate tissue.
• Post-Procedure: Light pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding. Typically, after a few hours of observation, patients can return home or a short hospital stay may be required.

Advantages of PAE as a Non-Surgical Treatment

Prostate Artery Embolisation offers several significant advantages compared to traditional surgery:

• Minimally Invasive: It does not require a large incision or general anaesthesia. This means less pain, lower risk of infection, and a faster recovery process.
• Rapid Recovery: Most patients can return to their daily activities shortly after the procedure.
• Preservation of Sexual Function: Fewer adverse effects on sexual function have been reported compared to surgery. The risk of erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation is considerably low.
• Reduced Bleeding Risk: The risk of bleeding is significantly lower compared to surgical operations.
• No General Anaesthesia Required: Being performed under local anaesthesia makes it ideal for patients who cannot or do not wish to undergo general anaesthesia.
• Reduced Catheterisation Need: For many patients, it can eliminate or shorten the need for a urinary catheter.

Which Patients Are Suitable for Prostate Artery Embolisation?

PAE may not be suitable for every BPH patient, but it can be an excellent option for specific patient groups:

• Men experiencing moderate to severe BPH symptoms who have not responded to medication or prefer not to take medication.
• Patients at high risk for traditional surgical operations (such as TURP), those with other health conditions, or those deemed unsuitable for surgery.
• Patients who prioritise the preservation of their sexual function.
• Patients whose prostate size is considered too large for surgery, or those who have experienced a recurrence after surgery.
• Patients who have to use a urinary catheter and wish to be free from it.

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Interventional radiology offers a wide range of non-surgical treatment options. In addition to prostate enlargement treatment, we successfully apply many modern methods at our clinic, such as precision in prostate cancer diagnosis with fusion biopsy, fibroid treatment preserving the uterus with uterine fibroid embolisation, or nodule treatment with thyroid ablation. Do not hesitate to contact our clinic to discover the most suitable and modern treatment options for your health.

For our robotic technologies in interventional radiology, you can visit our prostate biopsy page.