Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common condition that affects many men as they age. It can cause a range of bothersome symptoms, including frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and a weak urine stream. While there are several treatment options available, prostate artery embolization (PAE) is gaining attention as a minimally invasive procedure that offers a catheter-free approach to managing BPH.

How does Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) treatment work?

The PAE procedure shrinks the prostate gland, providing relief of the symptoms. Following this procedure, the prostate will begin to shrink, relieving and improving symptoms usually within days of the procedure.

PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist (IR) at one of our dedicated IR Centers. An interventional radiologist is a doctor who uses X-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery.

The PAE procedure is not all that painful so a general anesthesia is not needed. The procedure will be completed in-office at AUA and the patient will go home the same day with just a small bandage. The patient will only require a few days of recovery at home before returning to normal everyday life and activities.

Following the procedure, the prostate gland is starved of its blood supply, and will begin to shrink allowing the urethra to open up and urine to flow more normally.

What are the Benefits of PAE?

• Minimally Invasive: PAE is minimally invasive procedure that does not require an incision.
• Quick procedure: Painless, outpatient procedure takes about two hours, so patients go home the same day.
• Faster recovery: Performed in an outpatient setting, there’s no need for general anesthesia. Recovery typically takes just a few days at home before patients can return to work and other activities.
• Reduced risk of side effects: PAE has been shown to have fewer side effects and risks than other widely used treatments for BPH. PAE boasts a lower risk of complications like sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence compared to other BPH treatments. Shrinking the prostate does not have any negative impact on sexual function.
• Long-lasting results: Studies show PAE provides sustained relief from BPH symptoms for many years.

Who would PAE be good for?

If you have been diagnosed with BPH, or experience symptomsthat are not controlled well by medications and you don’t wantto undergo invasive surgical treatments, you are a candidate forProstatic Artery Embolization (PAE).

Discuss BPH treatments with a board-certified urologist at Advanced Urology Associates to determine if PAE is the right treatment for your BPH.