Prostatic Artery Embolization Addresses Issues Caused By an Enlarged Prostate Gland in Men and Is Considered an Alternative to Surgery

 

Prostatic Artery Embolization

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive approach used for the treatment of enlarged prostates without the risk of sexual side effects. The approach addresses issues caused by an enlarged prostate gland in men and is considered an alternative to surgery. An interventional radiologist performs PAE procedure by using X-rays and other advanced imaging technologies.

Prostatic artery embolization is used in the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common problem among older men. The prevalence of histologically diagnosed BPH in the U.S. increases from 8% in men aged 31–40 years to over 80% in men older than age 80.  The condition negatively impacts quality of life and results in considerable medical intervention and expenses.

 In prostatic artery embolization, a healthcare professional makes a small puncture in the wrist or the groin in order to insert a catheter through the artery. The catheter is pushed towards the prostate and small particles are injected in the branches within the prostate in order to halt the blood flow. This process can be termed as embolization. BPH, if left untreated can lead to urinary incontinence, which creates interfere with the quality of life of a patient. PAE procedure can be an effective alternative to traditional surgery. The patient may undergo urinalysis, digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen test, and MRI of the prostate gland before PAE is initialized.

In prostatic artery embolization, the radiologist uses arteriogram to map the blood vessels that supply blood to the prostate. The procedure helps in decreasing the size of the prostate and helps improve other symptoms such as difficulty starting an urination stream and dribbling at the end of urination. The outpatient procedure takes about two hours, whereas recovery takes just a few days. The procedure, however, has some risks involved that include, transient blood in urine, acute urinary retention, and rectal bleeding.

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