Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that’s proven to be less invasive with reduced side effects and a shorter recovery time. PAE procedures have been performed since the beginning of the 2000s but have risen in popularity over the last decade as more and more clinical studies and trials have demonstrated their efficacy. Prostatic artery embolization is a viable alternative to traditional surgical treatments for BPH, especially if you’re not a good candidate for surgery.
How the Prostatic Artery Embolization Process Works
How does the PAE process work? The prostatic artery embolization procedure is completed under a local anesthetic with mild sedation. During the process, a radiologist uses an inserted catheter to inject tiny particles (embolic agents) into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate. Partially blocking the blood flow of the smaller blood vessels causes the prostate to shrink. This shrinking alleviates the pressure on the urethra, which runs through the middle of the prostate, and typical symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and difficulty in urination subside.
Advantages of Prostatic Artery Embolization
Over the last 20 years, PAE has increasingly become recognized as a viable alternative to traditional surgical methods, primarily because it offers a minimally invasive option to traditional surgical treatments for BPH. The three most significant advantages of prostatic artery embolization are:
- Its minimally invasive nature: treatment is through a small catheter, meaning it doesn’t need surgical incisions of any kind.
- Reduced side effects: PAE has a lower risk of sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence when compared to traditional surgery.
- Shorter recovery time: Simply put, no surgery, quicker recovery time.
- And, of course, PAE has been shown to effectively alleviate the symptoms of BPH in a significant number of cases.
Is PAE a viable choice to treat your BPH?
Before committing to any procedure, you should know your options. Reach out to the Minimally Invasive Vascular Center in Laurel, MD, by calling 855-803-6482 or completing a contact form to schedule a consultation and find out more.