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Prostate artery embolization (PAE) offers a less invasive approach to treating an enlarged prostate. This outpatient treatment boasts a shorter recovery period compared to traditional prostate surgery. Additionally, PAE presents fewer risks of complications such as urinary incontinence and reduced sexual desire when compared with other surgical options.

Complications from the procedure are uncommon and typically manageable. Potential risks encompass:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Temporary urinary retention
• Obstruction of blood vessels not associated with the prostate.
• To mitigate these risks, your doctor will conduct specialized 3-dimensional imaging during the procedure to guide the placement of blocking particles precisely to the prostate gland.

During your consultation, your doctor will discuss these risks with you in detail to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is capable of enhancing urinary tract symptoms in a manner comparable to the surgical method known as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which is also a treatment for an enlarged prostate. However, PAE offers several benefits over TURP, such as:

• Quicker recuperation period, with no need for a hospital stay
• Reduced likelihood of complications
• Generally fewer and less severe complications

Prostate artery embolization is performed as an outpatient service, which means an overnight hospital stay is not required. The procedure is conducted using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation, often referred to as ‘twilight’ anesthesia, to ensure you are relaxed and pain-free without the full effects of general anesthesia.

You can typically continue your regular medications prior to the procedure, but there are exceptions, like blood-thinning agents, which might need to be temporarily discontinued to reduce the risk of bleeding.

During your first appointment, your interventional radiologist will go over your current medications to provide personalized instructions for the procedure. Remember not to eat or drink anything at least 6 hours before undergoing PAE. If you do not follow these guidelines, your procedure could be postponed or called off, although you are allowed to have small amounts of water when taking your medications.

Prostate artery embolization is typically a procedure that patients find manageable. In the initial days of recovery, most individuals experience only minor symptoms, such as:

• A slight fever
• Tiredness
• Light cramping in the pelvic area

Following prostate artery embolization, some individuals may temporarily notice an uptick in the frequency and urgency of urination, the presence of blood in the urine, or a sensation of burning during urination. To mitigate potential urine flow blockages, infections, and pain, you will be given medication before and after the procedure.

For the first few days post-procedure, it’s important to avoid any activity that could impact the site of the puncture, like heavy lifting or vigorous aerobic workouts, as well as more extreme activities such as skydiving, steer roping, or engaging in mixed martial arts. However, you’re generally free to go back to most of your usual activities the day after the procedure.

A week after the embolization, you’re scheduled for a follow-up with your healthcare team to monitor your recovery. Additionally, imaging tests will be conducted three months post-procedure to evaluate your healing progress. Your care team is always on standby to provide answers to any questions and address any concerns regarding your treatment.

Around 70% of men over the age of 70 experience the effects of an enlarged prostate, which is when the central part of the prostate gland grows, leading to a narrowed urine flow. This condition may result in a range of discomforting symptoms, such as:

• Frequent urges to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination
• Stopping and starting while urinating
• Nighttime awakenings to urinate, disrupting sleep
• A weak urinary stream
• A feeling that the bladder isn’t completely empty after urination
• The need for catheterization due to urinary retention

Prostate artery embolization helps alleviate, and potentially remove, these symptoms by cutting off the blood supply to the prostate, causing it to decrease in size.

Prostate artery embolization might be a suitable treatment option for you if you experience:

• Blood in your urine resulting from an enlarged prostate
• Current treatment for prostate cancer
• Long-term use of anticoagulants that necessitates regular urological procedures

To assess if PAE is a viable treatment for you, we’ll review your health history, conduct a physical examination, and consider any pertinent imaging studies.

Indeed, prostate artery embolization (PAE) is covered by most insurance plans. However, it’s important to consult with your insurance provider to confirm whether this procedure is included in your particular policy.