Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a modern and minimally invasive method used in the treatment of prostate enlargement.

What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

PAE is a technique that treats the enlargement of the prostate and associated symptoms without the need for surgery. It involves blocking the blood vessels that supply the prostate using angiography, which reduces the prostate's blood supply and causes it to shrink. This treatment was first applied in 2011 and has increasingly been preferred worldwide since then.

Who is it applied to?

Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: PAE is suitable for patients with an enlarged prostate that causes issues in the urinary tract. Elderly patients with high surgical risks: It is an ideal option for elderly patients who have a high surgical risk or do not wish to undergo surgery. Patients with long-term catheter use: It is an effective treatment option for patients with issues like catheter usage. Prostate biopsy and bleeding: PAE can also be applied to stop bleeding after prostate biopsy or in cases of suspected prostate cancer.

Who is it not applied to?

Suspected prostate cancer: It is generally not recommended for patients with suspected prostate cancer. Neurogenic bladder dysfunction and urethral stricture: In these cases, PAE may not be appropriate. Large bladder stones and chronic kidney failure: PAE is generally not suitable for patients with these conditions.

How is Prostate Artery Embolization performed?

Pre-Procedure Preparation: A CT angiography is performed before the procedure to examine the vascular structure. This is necessary to determine whether the patient is suitable for embolization.

Procedure Process: It is performed under local anesthesia. The patient typically stays awake, but pain relief and sedative medications are provided for comfort. A catheter, a thin plastic tube, is inserted through the groin to reach the arteries supplying the prostate gland.
The arteries are blocked: Small particles are used to block these arteries, reducing the blood supply to the prostate and causing it to shrink.
Shrinkage and recovery: The shrinkage of the prostate is long-lasting, and the pressure on the urinary tract is relieved, significantly reducing or eliminating symptoms.

Procedure Duration

PAE typically takes 60-90 minutes.

Advantages of the Method

No surgery required: There is no incision made in the abdominal area. No general anesthesia needed: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. No hospitalization required: Patients can usually return home the same day or the following day. Minimal pain: Pain during and after the procedure is usually minimal or nonexistent.
Rapid recovery: The return to normal daily activities is much quicker than with surgical interventions (3-6 weeks). No blood loss: There is no blood loss during or after the procedure.
Low risk of complications: Issues typically seen after surgery (such as retrograde ejaculation, urinary incontinence, etc.) are generally not observed after embolization.

Patient Hospitalization Duration

Patients can usually return home either the same day or the following day.

Treatment Risks and Side Effects

Side effects are rare: No significant side effects have been reported in the literature. However, rarely, a hematoma or infection may develop at the needle insertion site in the groin. Mild pain may be felt after the procedure, and in very rare cases, a catheter may need to be temporarily inserted.

Risk of Disease Recurrence

The risk of recurrence of the disease after the procedure is between 0-2%.

PAE offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option for the treatment of prostate enlargement. It is especially an important alternative for patients with high surgical risks or those who do not wish to undergo surgery.

These details are supported by medically verified information from specialist doctor İbadat Hasanov and aim to inform individuals. In all cases, the treatment plan is tailored to the individual, and this decision is carefully evaluated by your doctors.