Treatment for: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
Procedures offered: Prostate artery embolization (PAE)
As men age, their prostate gland can grow larger, putting pressure on the bladder and urethra, the vessel that carries urine from the bladder and outside of the body. It is one of the most common health problems men can experience, affecting half of all men between 51 and 60 years of age, and 90% of men older than 80.
An enlarging prostate causes a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In some cases, it can lead to painful urination, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction and urinary continence or retention (the inability to urinate). A surgical treatment, called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is often recommended as a solution for BPH. However, this surgery has a high number of complications and sexual side effects are common.
A new procedure called prostate artery embolization (PAE) may be a better alternative for treating BPH. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a tiny catheter into an artery in your upper thigh or wrist and then uses medical imaging to guide it through the body’s blood vessels to the arteries supplying blood to the prostate. Tiny beads called ‘microspheres’ are released through the catheter and into the arteries, blocking blood flow to the prostate. With reduced blood flow, the prostate shrinks and symptoms are relieved.
Prostate Artery Embolization Preparation Instructions
- Please inform us of all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic, medications or to contrast (also known as “x-ray dye”).
- You may be advised to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Tylenol, Advil) or a blood thinning medication for a period of time before your procedure.
- Please inform us about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you may take your usual medications, especially blood pressure medications. These may be taken with some water in the morning before your procedure.
- You may be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking anything for several hours before your procedure.
- You may need to remain for a period of observation after your procedure.
- You will be given a gown to change into before your procedure.