Approximately half of men aged 51-60 are affected by Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) or benign prostate enlargement.
Typical Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) of BPH include:
- Nocturia (increased frequency of urination at night)
- Increased frequency and urgency to urinate in general
- Difficulty starting and stopping urination
- Weak urinary stream
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Blood in the urine
- Acute urinary retention (inability to urinate)
Fortunately, many of the symptoms associated with BPH can be treated with oral medications. However, for a certain percentage of men, these medications are ineffective. These individuals are typically offered a variety of surgical procedures, including transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
Prostate Artery Embolization
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that can be used as an alternative to the standard surgical techniques in appropriate patients. The goal of PAE is to shrink the prostate and significantly improve the LUTS associated with BPH. This is accomplished by a small puncture in either the left wrist or groin, followed by the insertion of a microcatheter (small tube) to the level of the prostate artery, which significantly decreases the blood flow to the prostate. As the blood flow decreases, so does the size and growth potential of the gland.
PAE is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR), as an outpatient procedure. The patient is put under conscious sedation and is able to leave 2-4 hours after the procedure. PAE has been thoroughly studied in Europe and South America, and it is gaining popularity in the United States. The team at Northwest Radiology is proud to lead the way in offering this exciting new treatment.
