Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Non-Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostate Enlargement or Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

What is Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a benign (non-cancerous) condition in which there is enlargement or hyperplasia of the prostate gland which can lead to a host of uncomfortable urinary symptoms. Prostate gland enlargement is common as a person gets older however if urinary symptoms start affecting quality of life then the prostate enlargement will need to be treated.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

  • Frequent nighttime urination
  • The feeling of wanting to urinate
  • Straining when initiating urination
  • Weak stream
  • Dribbling
  • Incomplete urination

How is BPH Treated?

The type of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy treatment depends on a number of factors including the patient’s severity of symptoms, effect on the quality of life, the patient’s health, their physician’s recommendation as well as a personal choice.

If conservative methods such as lifestyle modifications (fluid-intake alterations- decreasing total daily fluid intake and reducing diuretic beverages such as coffee and alcohol) and medication are not effective then intervention may be necessary.

Traditional surgical treatments include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) which is a surgical procedure that involves cutting away a section of the prostate via a small surgical instrument (resectoscope) which is inserted through the tip of your penis and into the tube that carries urine from your bladder (urethra).

Only recently is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) growing in popularity as a new, minimally invasive option for treatment of BPH or Natural BPH Treatment. PAE is a no-scalpel option and is less painful, requires a shorter hospital stay and is associated with fewer side effects.

How is the procedure performed?

Step 1:

A small tube is placed through a pinhole into the brachial artery which is in front of the elbow. These small microcatheters are navigated up the arm or groin and into the pelvis with the guidance of specialized X-ray machines and contrast dye which is injected and forms a road map of the anatomy.

Step 2:

The microcatheters are placed into the prostate artery that supplies blood to the prostate gland. Small medical microparticles that look like beads are then injected into the enlarged prostate gland on each side through the microcatheter. This causes the prostate gland to shrink over time.

Step 3:

The prostate gland following the procedure is much smaller as there is decreased blood flow to the gland causing the gland to shrink. This relieves the symptoms of prostate enlargement and improves the patient’s quality of life.

NO SCALPEL

DAY PROCEDURE

MINIMAL DISCOMFORT

NON INVASIVE