Prostate Artery Embolization
Minimally Invasive Treatment that Improves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.
Prostate Artery Embolization
Minimally Invasive Treatment that Improves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.
Prostate Artery Embolization:
The Alternative Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment
If you are suffering from symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you might be looking into your treatment options. Perhaps you’ve tried medical therapy unsuccessfully. Or, you’ve considered surgical treatments but are not a candidate. Perhaps you want to avoid the risk of surgical treatments such as TURP which can include urinary incontinence or sexual side effects (retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction).
Fortunately, there’s a less invasive option with minimal to no side effects.
Prostate Artery Embolization only requires a small incision and has a high rate of success. This procedure is especially helpful for patients who are high risk for surgery, have very large prostates or indwelling bladder catheters.
The Embolization Process
This procedure is handled by the interventional radiology department because it requires x-ray guidance.
Instead of surgery, the doctor is able to make a small incision. Local anesthesia is used for the small incision and you will also receive conscious sedation through an IV line to keep you comfortable. The doctor then uses x-ray guidance to steer a small catheter into the arteries supplying your prostate. Small beads will then be injected to block the flow of blood to your prostate. This causes the prostate to shrink and your symptoms to improve.
The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours and patients are discharged home the same day.
Post-procedure
You should start to feel improvement of symptoms within days. Over 6 months, the prostate will shrink by approximately 30-40%, resulting in improved and less frequent urination. Post-procedure side effects are minimal and typically last one to three days.
Why Choose Lourdes: Virtual Health System?
Our interventional radiologists have skill and experience performing embolizations. We collaborate with our Urologists to tailor the best treatment plan for each patient.
Please call 856-968-2520 to schedule a consultation with one of our interventional radiologists.
