An Enlarged Prostate can be painful. Let us help you find relief.
We offer a safe, minimally invasive procedure known as prostate artery embolization. Learn about prostate artery embolization, an effective, non-surgical way to treat Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is an abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate gland grows throughout a man’s lifetime, however, sometimes the growth is excessive and interferes with urinary flow. Obstructed urinary flow can cause significant symptoms and other complications.
Those most at risk for BPH are men over the age of 40. Nearly 60% of sufferers will experience significant symptoms by the age of 60, with rates increasing about 10% more for each decade of life thereafter. BPH is more common in men with a family history of prostate problems, as well as a history of diabetes and heart disease. Obesity can also be a contributing factor to the development of BPH.
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What are the symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
One of the first and most noticeable symptoms a patient with BPH will experience is urinary issues. The frequent or urgent need to urinate during the day and increased frequency of night time urination are common symptoms. Difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, hesitancy in starting to initiate urination and inability to completely empty the bladder can also affect those suffering from BPH. These symptoms can markedly affect a man’s quality of life.
If symptoms are ignored and this condition progresses, more significant complications can occur. Bladder stones can result from an inability to empty the bladder, and contribute to blood in the urine and bladder infections. Urinary tract infections can also occur as a result of not fully emptying one’s bladder. If the prostate grows large enough, it can even cause an inability to urinate all together, known as urinary retention.
What is prostate artery embolization?
Prostate artery embolization, or PAE, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to help relieve the symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is done by blocking the blood vessels that are feeding the prostate causing the prostate to abnormally enlarge. Once these blood vessels are blocked, the prostate can return to a healthier size, and the patient will experience significant symptom relief.
How does prostate artery embolization work?
During the procedure, a very tiny nick is made in the skin near the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the wrist.
A vascular catheter is carefully guided to the prostate arteries and FDA approved micro-spheres are injected into the arteries, cutting off the blood supply to the prostate.
Once the prostate arteries are successfully blocked, the prostate gland will immediately start to shrink and symptoms will begin to subside.
