Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) in Chicago and Indiana
In the past, men experiencing symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)—commonly known as “enlarged prostate”—would have few options if lifestyle changes and medication were not effective. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgery to remove a portion of the prostate, but it comes with risks, sexual side effects and long recovery times.
Treating BPH Without Surgery
Today, prostatic artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that is growing in popularity among men with BPH. It is an outpatient procedure covered by most insurance plans and Medicare. It effectively shrinks the prostate gland and alleviates symptoms without the risks associated with surgery.
What Is BPH?: Understanding the Signs & Symptoms
BPH affects half of all men between 51 and 60 years of age and up to 90% of men older than 80. About 14 million American men have BPH, making it one of the most common health conditions related to aging.
The prostate gland is located next to your bladder. As it grows, it pushes against the urethra and can block urine flow. Most men with BPH are unhappy with the condition and do not wish to live the rest of their lives with its symptoms, which typically include:
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate (especially at night)
- A weak urine stream
- Difficulty beginning urination or dribbling at the end
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
BPH is also linked to erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive. Left untreated, it can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder damage, bladder stones, kidney damage (or chronic renal failure), and urinary retention (the inability to urinate).
How is PAE Performed?
Prostatic artery embolization is performed by an interventional radiologist, a doctor who specializes in treating diseases and other health conditions from inside the body, using imaging guidance. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted through a very small pinhole-size cut in the skin and guided through the arterial system to the blood vessels that supply blood to the prostate. Then, by introducing tiny granules to the prostatic artery, the blood flow to the prostate is reduced, and the prostate gland shrinks, which relieves the associated symptoms.
Is PAE Right For Me?
Prostatic artery embolization is recommended for patients who:
- Have an enlarged prostate (greater than 50 grams)
- Have not been able to control their BPH symptoms with medication
- Have refractory hematuria
- Do not wish to have surgery
- Have chronic kidney disease
- Are on anticoagulation medications
- Smoke cigarettes
PAE Treatment at NG Vascular & Vein Center
Prostatic artery embolization is an effective, less invasive option to treat BPH. If you have been diagnosed with BPH or an enlarged prostate, call us at 219-208-6218 to schedule a consultation. We are happy to work with your doctor, and if they are unfamiliar with PAE, we can share information about the procedure and its safety record with them.
If you’re not sure if you have BPH, you can learn more by taking the short quiz below:
PAE Quiz
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