Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). To understand how the PAE procedure helps BPH, we must first quickly learn what BPH is.
What is BPH and how can the PAE Procedure Help?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which affects a majority of men over age 50. The symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia usually begin with constant urination, having to get up at night to use the restroom, trouble using the restroom, and other minor inconveniences. Many men who have enlarged prostates never experience any symptoms, but the likelihood of developing symptoms increases as men age.
- As many as 14 million men in the United States have symptoms of BPH
- 80-90% effective in reduction of symptoms
- 5-7 years of durability for relief of symptoms
- By age 60, 50% of men will have some signs of BPH
The prostate is an internal male reproductive system gland located in front of the rectum and below the bladder. The prostate gland wraps around the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia affects the innermost part of the prostate first, so the enlargement frequently results in a gradual squeezing of the urethra where it runs through the prostate, sometimes causing difficulty urinating or other urinary problems.
What is Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)?
Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This procedure is done at our state-of-the-art facility, The UCA Interventional Radiology Center, located in Vestavia just 5 minutes from the main Homewood campus. To qualify for the PAE procedure, you must first consult with one of our Urologists who will then determine if you are suffering from BPH.
What are the Advantages of PAE?
- No surgical incision or device is inserted into the urethra.
- Performed in an outpatient setting under “twilight sleep” with no general anesthesia.
- Painless procedure lasting approximately 1 hour.
- Very low complication rate and no reports of impotence or incontinence after PAE.
- Symptom improvement occurs 2-3 weeks after the procedure.*
- Return to full activity within one week.
*Individual results may vary by individual.
Procedural Details
- PAE is performed by an Interventional Radiologist through a small catheter inserted into the artery in your wrist or groin.
- The interventional radiologist will then guide the catheter into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate.
- Tiny round microspheres (particles) are injected through the catheter and into the blood vessels that feed your prostate to reduce its blood supply
- Following this procedure, the prostate will begin to shrink, relieving and improving symptoms usually within days of the procedure.*