What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) used for?
Prostate artery embolization is performed to treat urinary difficulties caused by prostate enlargement that typically occurs in men after middle age.
What is the Prostate? What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
The prostate is a gland found only in men, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra (the channel that carries urine). The size of the prostate changes with age. In young men, it is about the size of a walnut, but in older men, it can grow much larger.
As men age, the prostate may increase in size, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not cancerous but can narrow the urethra and put pressure on the bladder, leading to urinary issues.
What is the Purpose of Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The goal of prostate artery embolization is to reduce the size of the enlarged prostate. As the prostate increases in size with age, it can narrow the urinary passage, causing a variety of urinary problems. By blocking the arteries that supply blood to the prostate, the tissue shrinks due to lack of blood flow. This relieves pressure on the urinary tract, and patients usually start experiencing improvements in their urinary symptoms within 2-3 months.
How is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Performed?
PAE is performed in an interventional radiology suite (not in a regular operating room). The procedure involves an interventional radiologist accessing the femoral artery (in the groin) to reach the blood vessels supplying the prostate. These arteries are blocked with special medical particles, reducing blood flow to the prostate.
What Are the Risks of Prostate Artery Embolization?
PAE is generally considered a low-risk procedure. However, possible risks include:
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This document is based on materials from the European Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology (CIRSE). The information provided here is for general informational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.