Prostate Artery Embolisation for Enlarged Prostate Treatment

Dr.Abhishek Bansal, 5 mins read

Over the past few years, prostate artery embolisation (PAE) has been gaining attention as a breakthrough treatment option for an enlarged prostate.

This innovative approach is a beacon of hope for all those men who are seeking a non-surgical treatment option or cannot undergo surgery because of anaesthesia-related risk factors.

All thanks to its minimally invasive approach that results in a negligible impact on sexual function, shorter recovery time, and improved quality of life.

What is an enlarged prostate?
Also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it refers to the enlargement of the prostate, a small gland located between the penis and bladder.

Typically, the prostate grows throughout life. Thereby, increasing the risk of BPH with age, starting from the 40s and progressing with each decade. As per a study, more than 90% of men over 80 years of age have this condition.

The gland surrounds a tube called the urethra that helps urine move from the bladder to the penis. When the prostate size increases, it puts pressure on the urethra and affects the urine flow.

Here are some common symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

• Frequent urination
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak urine stream
• A feeling of not being able to empty the bladder

Though medical science has evolved with time and various treatment options for BPH have come into existence, PAE offers a promising alternative due to its less invasive approach.

Prostate artery embolisation procedure
PAE is one of the fastest ways to shrink an enlarged prostate. It is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return to their homes on the same day of the procedure and gradually to normal activities.

The procedure can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours depending on the size and location of prostatic arteries.

On the procedure day, you’ll be taken to a procedure room where all your vitals will be checked. And then you will receive a local anaesthesia.

During the prostate artery embolization procedure, a certified interventional radiologist inserts a catheter (a small tube) into the artery through the groin or wrist. And then move the catheter towards the prostate guided by X-ray imaging in the Cath Lab.

Once in place, tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels that supply the prostate. This is done to do selective blocking of these blood vessels. This causes the enlarged prostate to shrink to normal shape, relieving the pressure on the urethra and alleviating symptoms.

Talking about prostate artery embolization recovery time, you may resume normal activities a day after the procedure and feel back to normal within 3 to 5 days.

Prostate artery embolization cost in India is more affordable than other treatment options as it doesn’t require any operation theatre/ICU stay and general anaesthesia. It’s best to contact our experts to get a proper estimate.

PAE vs. TURP
If we compare prostate artery embolisation (PAE) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), both have their own sets of benefits and are used based on various factors. These factors include the size of the prostate, symptoms, overall health and age.

But the plus point with PAE is that it does not require any incisions or removal of the prostate gland. Thus, prostate artery embolisation is a non-surgical treatment for an enlarged prostate.

This results in less pain, shorter recovery time, and lower risk of complications. Also, unlike some other treatment options that may carry a risk of erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, PAE has been shown to have minimal impact on sexual function.

How successful is prostate artery embolization?
Prostate artery embolisation is the most successful enlarged prostate treatment. Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PAE in improving BPH symptoms and urinary flow.

PAE boasts a high success rate, with over 90% of patients getting relief from the symptoms in the first year of the procedure. The success rate can be further improved by choosing the best doctor and hospital.

How long does prostate artery embolization last?
PAE has shown promising benefits and may last for several years based on how you care for it and how properly the procedure is done.

A study conducted on 1000 patients shows 82% of men were still enjoying the benefits after three years and around 78% of patients had a good success rate beyond the 3-year mark.

Who is not a candidate for prostate artery embolization?
While PAE offers many potential benefits, it is important for patients to consult with an interventional radiologist to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure.

Not all men with BPH may be suitable for PAE. Individual factors such as prostate size and overall health should be taken into consideration.

Apart from this, any severe kidney disease, bleeding disorders, urinary tract infections, arterial disease, contrast dye allergy or some other conditions need also be discussed with the doctor before undergoing the procedure.

Prostate artery embolization side effects
Prostate artery embolisation is a safe and effective procedure with a negligible complication rate when performed by expert hands. So, it is always advised to choose the best hospital for prostate artery immobilisation.

Which hospitals offer prostate artery embolisation?
Aakash Healthcare is one of the best hospitals for prostate artery embolisation in Delhi NCR, India. We have a team of certified prostate artery embolisation radiology experts known as interventional radiologists who have nearly two decades of experience and performed the first PAE in Delhi.

With a very good portfolio of happy patients, we have earned a great reputation. We take pride in being among the few hospitals that offer prostate artery embolisation procedures with one of the highest success rates in India.