Prostate Artery
Embolization

In a 2020 study, researchers found that PAE was as effective as TURP at relieving urinary symptoms. Researchers also pointed out two areas in which PAE was a better alternative to TURP: 

• PAE patients had a greater improvement in quality of life scores compared with TURP patients.
• There were fewer adverse events reported in the PAE group than in the TURP group.

In the study mentioned above, one-third of PAE patients experienced mild side effects or urinary retention. No major complications occurred in the PAE group. Conversely, the TURP group experienced three times as many complications as the PAE patients.

Recent studies show that prostate artery embolization patients have significantly fewer adverse reactions than those who undergo TURP surgery.

One of the main concerns men have about various BPH treatment options is how long they will last. Their concern is valid for multiple reasons:

• They want to save money
• They do not want to undergo any more treatments than they absolutely must
• If it is possible, they do not want to deal with the symptoms of BPH ever again

Since PAE is a newer form of treatment, there are not any long-term studies. However, a study published in 2019 by João Martins Pisco of St. Louis Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal found that patients were still experiencing good results 12 months after the procedures. Based on their findings, some estimate that the effects of the PAE procedure can last at least five years.

The doctors who perform PAE are called interventional radiologists. They are medical doctors with up to seven years of additional training post-medical school.

Interventional radiologists use specialized radiology or imaging to perform minimally invasive procedures, like prostate artery embolization. They commonly use:

• Fluoroscopy (a technique that utilizes x-rays to create a real-time “movie” of the insides of a particular body part
• MRI
• CT scans
• Ultrasound technology
• Arteriogram (the x-ray used to examine the arteries in the PAE procedure)

Mild discomfort after the procedure is common and can last for a few days post-op. Some patients feel like they are back to normal within three days of having the procedure and return to work. Others can take up to two weeks to overcome feelings of urinary discomfort.

The best candidates for PAE are men who:

• Suffer from the most common symptoms related to enlarged prostate
• Have tried drug therapy but did not benefit from it
• Have a prostate size over 40 grams
• Cannot have general anesthesia

Dr. Nwobi will also determine if you are a good candidate based on the results of various diagnostic tests, including:

• PSA levels
• Prostate ultrasound
• A urodynamic pressure study
• A cystoscopy (to examine the lining of the urethra and bladder)
• Uroflowmetry (to evaluate urine flow)

Patients that are not good candidates include those with:

• A malignant tumor
• Atherosclerosis
• A twisted pelvic floor
• Unusual prostatic vessel anatomy