Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Prostate Surgery

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. Half of men over age 60 and about 90% of men in their 70s have symptoms of BPH.

Learn More About Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Hormone changes later in life can cause the prostate to enlarge, putting pressure on the urethra and causing symptoms. While BPH isn’t life-threatening, it can significantly interfere with your daily living and limit your ability to participate in the activities you love.

Common symptoms of BPH include:
● Difficulty urinating
● Urgency to urinate
● Weak urine stream
● Frequent urination, especially at night
● Erectile dysfunction

These symptoms can be treated with oral medications, but a large number of men do not find relief for symptoms of BPH with medicine alone. However, most men opt not to have traditional surgery because of the risk of impotence or incontinence.

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Our endovascular specialists can perform a minimally invasive procedure called prostatic artery embolization (PAE) that shrinks the prostate without the need for general anesthesia, cutting or stitches.

What to Expect

PAE is done under light sedation (“twilight sleep”) and using local anesthesia. A CiC physician will make a tiny nick in your skin, then insert a catheter and guide it using X-ray fluoroscopy to the artery feeding the prostate gland. Tiny spheres are introduced via the catheter, effectively blocking off the blood supply and causing the prostate gland to shrink.

Why choose PAE?

PAE is a safe, outpatient procedure without the risk of impotence or incontinence that traditional surgery carries. You’ll be given pain medications to take at home and can resume normal activities within three to four days. Patients report that their symptoms typically resolve within two to three weeks after the procedure.