Prostate Gland enlargement
Prostate gland enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition as men get older. It occurs when the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra, becomes enlarged. This can cause various urinary symptoms since the urethra is the tube through which urine passes from the bladder out of the body.
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system and produces a fluid that mixes with sperm to create semen. The enlargement of this gland doesn’t necessarily mean there is cancer or any other serious issue, but it can cause problems with urination.
BPH, or prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition as men get older. “Benign” means it’s not cancerous, and “hyperplasia” refers to the increase in the number of cells. So, BPH results from an increase in the size of the cells of the prostate, leading to an enlarged prostate gland.
An enlarged prostate can squeeze or partly block the urethra, leading to problems with urination. Common symptoms include:
>Difficulty starting urination.
>Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts.
>Urgency to urinate.
>Frequent urination, especially at night.
>Incomplete bladder emptying.
>Dribbling at the end of urination.
>Urinary tract infections or bladder stones.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure developed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. BPH can lead to a range of urinary symptoms, including frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and urinary tract infections. PAE offers a promising alternative to more invasive treatments.
How Does PAE Work?
The primary objective of PAE is to reduce the size of the prostate, thus alleviating BPH symptoms. Here’s a step-by-step of the process:
Access: Under local anesthesia, a small incision is made in the upper thigh or wrist to introduce a catheter into the arterial system.
Guidance: Using real-time imaging (often fluoroscopy), the interventional radiologist navigates this catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate.
Embolization: Once the catheter is precisely positioned, microscopic particles are introduced. These particles block the blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, causing the tissue to shrink over time. By selectively blocking these arteries, the enlarged prostate’s size decreases, thus relieving the associated symptoms.
Minimally Invasive: No surgical incisions are involved, reducing the risk of complications.
Quick Recovery: Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a short period.
Preservation of Sexual Function: PAE has a lower risk of causing sexual dysfunction compared to some surgical treatments.
Local Anesthesia: PAE is typically performed under local anesthesia, making the procedure more comfortable for patients who might be at risk from general anesthesia.
PAE is particularly beneficial for patients who have not found relief from medications and might be considering or want to avoid traditional surgical interventions for BPH. An in-depth consultation with our interventional radiologist is essential to assess your suitability for PAE and determine if it is the right choice for your health needs.
Our interventional radiology practice is at the forefront of adopting advanced techniques like Prostate Artery Embolization. Our dedicated team of experts is committed to providing top-tier patient care and ensuring the best possible outcomes. If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, reach out to learn more about how PAE might offer a solution.
Most insurances will typically cover uterine fibroid embolization. Please contact us for additional details and to set up a consultation.