December 9, 2024
What is Prostate Artery Embolisation?
Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure used to help improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) – a condition resulting in the enlargement of the prostate.
It is considered to be a safe and effective method of symptom reduction and has been shown to yield great results: over 95% of men gain symptomatic improvement (decreases in prostate volume and increases in urinary flow rates) following the procedure, and undergoing PAE doesn’t prevent you from undergoing other prostate reduction procedures later on.
Watch the below video, from Ask4PAE.com, for more information on how PAE is performed:
What are the Benefits of Prostatic Artery Embolisation?
Along with offering very high success rates, PAE provides a range of benefits to patients. Some are more general benefits, while others show why PAE is more favourable than alternative treatments:
- Minimally invasive
- Outpatient procedure
- Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay
- Low risk of sexual side effects
- Low risk of incontinence
- Relief from LUTS
- Overall improvement in quality of life
- Suitable for those unable to have surgery
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Unlike other surgical procedures, PAE is considered minimally invasive, and for many who choose to have the procedure this is the biggest benefit. As explained in the video above, PAE only requires a small incision in your wrist or groin, and a catheter is then fed through the artery to reach the prostate.
Performed as Outpatient Procedure
PAE is an outpatient procedure, meaning you don’t need to stay in hospital to recover. At Northern Beaches Interventional Radiology, we prefer to book patients in for a morning procedure, since it means they are likely able to go home in the afternoon, once the anesthetic has worn off.
Faster, At Home Recovery
When compared to other surgeries, such as TURP, prostatic artery embolisation offers a much faster recovery time. As well as this, PAE recovery can often be done in the comfort of your own home. Patients will find that they need to avoid heavy lifting and exercise, as well as sexual activity, for about a week, which is much shorter than other procedures.
Low Risk of Sexual Side Effects and Incontinence
With any medical treatment there is a risk of side effects, and when it comes to the prostate some common side effects are incontinence and erectile dysfunction - but not with PAE! Prostatic artery embolisation offers a much lower risk of these negative consequences compared to other treatments.
Relief from LUTS
LUTS, or lower urinary tract symptoms, such as feelings of urgency and frequency especially at night (nocturia), incomplete bladder emptying, weak urine stream, intermittency, and straining while urinating can have a serious impact on your quality of life. PAE helps sufferers get relief from these issues.
Suitable For Those Unable to Have Surgery
Some medical conditions make it risky for sufferers to undergo surgery. Men who take antiplatelets or blood thinners/anticoagulants can’t have surgery as the risk of bleeding is high. PAE, however, reduces this risk as there is much less chance of bleeding, and can also be performed without interrupting the anticoagulants (interrupting anticoagulants can increase the risk of stroke, making it a safer option).
PAE is also suitable for men who are considered too high risk for general anesthetic, since PAE is performed under a local anesthetic instead.
Men with permanent urinary catheters are often told that they don’t have another option. It is very common for men to be able to successfully remove their catheters following PAE.
Finally, for men who don’t want to undergo surgery and whose symptoms are poorly controlled on medication, PAE is a much less drastic procedure than traditional surgery, and many men who don’t feel comfortable ‘going under the knife’ are more at ease with PAE compared to an alternative such as TURP.
Works Best with Large Prostates
In some cases, the size of the prostate prohibits surgical intervention. Very large prostates make surgery risky and some doctors are unable or unwilling to operate. However, PAE actually works better on larger prostates, providing an option for sufferers who have otherwise been told there are no suitable solutions.
What are the Risks of Prostate Artery Embolisation?
Of course, as with any medical treatment, there are certain risks involved that your doctor will explain to you before undergoing treatment. Your exact medical conditions and history may mean there are risks to you not covered here, but the general risks from PAE are:
- Bruising and discomfort
- Mild pain
- Catheterisation
- Blood in urine, semen and stool
- Bladder spasms
- Infection
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty urinating
Bruising and Discomfort at Incision Site
This is quite a normal reaction to an incision, much like you get when you have a vaccination needle or blood is drawn. Any discomfort can be treated by painkillers.
Mild Pain
Many patients experience some mild pain in the days following the procedure. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, but can occasionally become severe and warrant further intervention.
Catheterisation
In about 2-5% of cases, PAE may cause the prostate to swell as a response to the treatment and block urinary flow. If this happens, it may be necessary to insert a urinary catheter.
Blood in the Urine, Semen, or Stool
You may notice a small amount of blood in the days following your procedure. If your symptoms persist or bleeding becomes heavy, consult your doctor immediately.
Bladder Spasms
The bladder can contract involuntarily, which may cause an intense urge to urinate, bladder leakage, and pain.
Infection
The prostate and needle insertion site may become infected if they are not adequately cared for in the days following your treatment. Your doctor will provide you with a list of instructions that you should follow carefully to avoid any infection.
Post-PAE syndrome
This affects about 9% of men who undergo PAE. It is characterised by nausea/vomiting, perineal pain, and dysuria (painful or difficult urination).
Time to Take Back Your Quality of Life?
At Northern Beaches Interventional Radiology, we offer Prostatic Artery Embolisation to our patients suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia. To help get relief from LUTS and improve your quality of life, request a consultation today.
