If you’ve been experiencing urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, frequent nighttime urination, or a weak urinary system, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) might be the cause).
At Vein Doctors Sydney, we offer Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE), a non-surgical option that may help relieve your symptoms and potentially enhance quality of life.
Book an appointment with our experts today to explore this treatment option
What is Prostate Artery Embolisation?
Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The procedure is carried out under X-ray guidance, allowing the radiologist to navigate a microcatheter (a very fine tube) to the prostate arteries that supply blood to the enlarged prostate. Once the catheter is in position, tiny plastic beads are injected into these arteries, blocking the blood flow to the prostate.
By reducing the blood supply to the prostate, the tissue begins to shrink over time, leading to an improvement in urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and urinary retention.
Why Would My Doctor Refer Me To This Procedure?
If you are experiencing symptoms related to the enlargement of the prostate (prostatic hyperplasia/hypertrophy), you may be a candidate for Prostate Artery Embolisation. PAE may be considered for men who:
- Have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that causes significant urinary symptoms.
- Are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
- Want to potentially delay or avoid the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
Before being referred for PAE, patients typically undergo a thorough assessment to diagnose benign prostatic hyperplasia and determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. This assessment usually includes:
- Ultrasound of the bladder and prostate: This imaging test helps to evaluate the size of the prostate and check for other possible causes of urinary symptoms.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, which can be elevated in cases of BPH or prostate cancer.
- Urine flow examination: This test measures the strength and rate of urine flow to assess how much the prostate is obstructing the urinary tract.
In some cases, additional tests such as a prostate MRI, biopsy, or other specialised tests may be required. If PAE is deemed appropriate, a CT scan of the prostate arteries will be conducted to plan the procedure accurately.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Preparation and Planning
Once you have been scheduled for Prostate Artery Embolisation, your healthcare team will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. These may include fasting for a certain period before the procedure and temporarily stopping certain medications. The procedure itself is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will likely be able to go home the same day.
The Procedure
- Step 1: Accessing the Arteries
The procedure begins with a catheter being inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist. Using X-ray guidance, the interventional radiologist advances the catheter towards the prostate arteries. - Step 2: Blocking the Blood Supply
Once the catheter reaches the prostate arteries, tiny beads are then injected into these arteries to block the blood flow to the prostate. By cutting off the blood supply, the prostate tissue gradually shrinks, reducing pressure on the urinary tract and alleviating symptoms. - Step 3: Completion and Recovery
After treating both the left and right prostate arteries, the catheter is carefully removed, and the access site is closed using a closure device. The entire procedure takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Recovery Process
Recovery after Prostate Artery Embolisation is usually quick, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort. Here’s what to expect:
- Immediate Post-Procedure Care: You will be monitored for a few hours following the procedure. Most patients are able to go home the same day, although an overnight stay may be arranged if necessary.
- First Week: It is common to experience some irritation of the prostate, which may feel like a temporary flare-up of urinary symptoms. This is part of the normal healing process as the prostate begins to shrink.
- Activity Restrictions: You should avoid driving for 24 hours after the procedure and refrain from strenuous physical activity or lifting heavy objects for 48 hours.
Risks and Potential Complications
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with Prostate Artery Embolisation. However, serious complications are rare. Some of the more common risks include:
- Bruising at the catheter insertion site, which is typically mild and resolves on its own.
- Temporary urinary retention that may require a catheter for a short period.
- Mild discomfort or a low-grade fever as the prostate adjusts to the reduced blood supply.
In very rare instances, the procedure may impact arteries that supply nearby organs, but such complications are uncommon. The use of X-ray dye during the procedure can also pose a risk for patients with kidney disease, so it is important to inform your doctor of any existing kidney conditions before undergoing PAE.
Potential benefits of Prostate Artery Embolisation
Potential benefits may include:
- Improvement in Urinary Symptoms: PAE may significantly reduce urinary frequency, allowing for fewer trips to the bathroom, especially at night. Many men experience a marked decrease in symptoms such as urgency and the need to strain during urination.
- Enhanced Urinary Flow Rates: By shrinking the prostate gland and reducing the obstruction in the urinary tract, PAE helps to improve urinary flow rates. This leads to a stronger and more consistent urine stream, making urination easier and more comfortable.
- Reduction in Urinary Incontinence: For men experiencing urinary incontinence due to BPH, PAE can help restore control over bladder function by decreasing the size of the prostate, which may reduce pressure on the bladder.
- Avoidance of Surgery: One of the key benefits of PAE is that it provides a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures. This means less risk, fewer complications, and a faster recovery time compared to more invasive options like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
- Minimally Invasive with Fewer Side Effects: Since PAE is performed by targeting the blood vessels that supply the prostate gland, it typically results in fewer side effects compared to surgery. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing only mild discomfort.
Prostate Artery Embolisation Cost
We understand that cost is an important consideration when seeking medical treatment. During your consultation, our team will provide you with a clear understanding of the financial aspects associated with prostate artery embolisation.
Please contact us for more information on costs.
How to schedule a consultation
For more information on our services and the cost of each service, or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact us at one of the following:
- Call us on (02) 9023 9970
- Fax us at (02) 9023 9973
- Email us at info@veindoctorssydney.com
- Book online
Our Clinics Locations in Sydney
Vein Doctors Sydney Manly
Suite 503, 39 East Esplanade, Manly NSW 2095
Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
Vein Doctors Sydney St Leonards
North Shore Health Hub - Ground Floor, Rockwell Medical Centre, 7 Westbourne Street, St Leonards 2065
8:30am – 5pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Vein Doctors Sydney Kingswood
Nepean Private Specialist Centre, Suite 3, 1A Barber Avenue, Kingswood 2747
Our Open Hours:
8:30 am – 5 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
FAQs
What are the benefits of Prostate Artery Embolisation?
Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) offers a non-surgical option for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who wish to avoid traditional surgery. The procedure may lead to an improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms, such as a weak urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, and acute urinary retention. By targeting the prostatic artery and reducing the blood supply to the enlarged prostate, PAE aims to improve quality of life with a relatively quick recovery time. As a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, it is less invasive than other surgical options, making it a potential choice for many patients.
When can I expect results after PAE?
Many patients begin to notice an improvement in their lower urinary tract symptoms within a few weeks after the procedure. As the prostate arteries are blocked, the prostate gland may gradually shrink, potentially leading to a reduction in symptoms such as a weak urine stream and incomplete bladder emptying. Results, including the potential relief of symptoms like acute urinary retention, are typically observed within three to six months, with ongoing improvements as the prostate gland continues to shrink.
Is Prostate Artery Embolisation safe?
PAE is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by experienced interventional radiologists under imaging guidance. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, which your doctor will discuss with you. Minor side effects, such as mild pain or temporary urinary retention, may occur but generally resolve without the need for further intervention. The minimally invasive nature of this outpatient procedure also aims to reduce the likelihood of significant complications.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure itself typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the patient’s anatomy and the extent of the prostate artery involvement. As an outpatient procedure, most patients are able to go home the same day, although some may require an overnight stay for observation. The length of the procedure can vary based on factors such as the size of the enlarged prostate and the number of prostatic arteries that need to be treated.
Will I need to repeat the procedure?
In most cases, PAE provides long-lasting relief from the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, if lower urinary tract symptoms such as acute urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying return or worsen over time, your doctor may discuss additional treatment options. This could include the possibility of a repeat PAE or other interventions, depending on the specific circumstances and the extent of symptom recurrence.
This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.
Book A