Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)
Enlarged prostate (BPH) affects a large percentage of men over the age of 65. We offer an innovative, outpatient procedure to treat this condition.
WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?
The prostate is an accessory organ of the male reproductive system. Its function is to produce fluid that helps preserve sperm after ejaculation. It is located below the bladder and is normally the size of a walnut. Urine travels from the bladder through the urethra before passing through the penis. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, urination can be affected when the prostate is enlarged.
WHAT IS BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERPLASIA (BPH)?
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common disease of the prostate and can cause debilitating symptoms, impacting a patient’s quality of life. It affects 70% of men over 65 years of age, 80% of those aged between 70 and 80, and 90% of men over 80. BPH is a benign, non-cancerous, increase of prostate tissue growth, causing obstruction of the lower urinary tract. Some patients do not have any symptoms of BPH.
COMMON SYMPTOMS:
- Increased urinary frequency, particularly at night
- Weak and/or interrupted urine stream
- Incomplete emptying of bladder/difficulty starting
- Urgency/difficulty controlling urine
- Inability to urinate leading to catheterization
- Blood in the urine
- Erectile dysfunction (may overlap). There are other syndromes or diseases that can produce similar symptoms, so it is important to undergo a full examination to ensure symptoms are related to BPH.
- Medical history
- Detailed physical examination (including digital rectal exam)
- Rectal ultrasound of the prostate
POSSIBLE TREATMENTS:
- Mild: “watchful waiting”, follow-up
- Moderate/Severe: Medications, Surgery (TURP, Prostatectomy, Laser, Thermotherapy, Electrovaporization) or Prostatic Arterial Embolization (PAE)
- A procedure in which a microcatheter is placed from the femoral artery (top of the leg) to the arteries of the prostate
- Small spheres are inserted into the prostate artery through the microcatheter to block it
- The abnormal tissue (BPH) will shrink, soften and reabsorb over time
Other things to know about PAE:
- Outpatient procedure
- Performed under ‘twilight sleep’ without the need for anesthesia
- Painless procedure
- Approximately 1 hour
- No need for foley catheter
- Rare complication rate
- No reports of impotence or incontinence after PAE
- Symptom improvement occurs 2-3 weeks after the procedure
To learn more please visit peebetter.com