Around 50% of men older than 50 have a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), aka an enlarged prostate. But, although not dangerous to life, the disease can severely reduce quality of life, leading to increased urination, poor stream of urine, and disturbed sleep. Until a few years ago, surgery was the only thing available. Fortunately, improved medical technology has given birth to a minimally invasive, very effective solution: BPH prostate embolization.
This type of procedure is changing the face of BPH treatment by providing non-surgical, non-general anaesthesia and same-day discharge treatment. We will walk you through how it works, who should get it, and why so many men are opting for this non-invasive solution in this guide.
What is BPH: A Very Common Male Medical Condition?
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) — a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Hormonal changes due to age—especially dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—stimulate the prostate to enlarge in men. This can press on your urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) and can cause all sorts of urinary symptoms, including:
More frequent urination (especially at night)
- Urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Incomplete bladder emptying
BPH isn’t life-threatening, but it can be irritating as well as ongoing in day-to-day life. Alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are therefore sometimes the first step for treating IPP, but not all men will respond adequately or want to endure potential chronic side effects. This is where prostate embolization for BPH comes in.
What is Prostate Embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Prostate embolization for BPH is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that stops blood flow to the prostate gland to shrink the size of the prostate. This procedure, known as best prostate artery embolization (PAE), is done by an interventional radiologist using state-of-the-art imaging and catheter-based technology.
How Does It Work?
PAE aims to decrease perfusion that sustains the prostate, leading to decreased prostate bulk. Here is how it works, step by step:
Adding the Catheter: The radiologist threads a thin catheter into the femoral artery (two groins) or radial artery (two wrists) after local anaesthesia. Under real-time imaging (fluoroscopy), the catheter is navigated to the arteries that perfuse blood to the prostate.
Localising Prostate Arteries: After identifying the prostate artery, tiny particles, usually formed from a biocompatible material such as polyvinyl alcohol, are delivered by the catheter.
Obstruct the Blood Supply: These particles obstruct the minute arteries that are responsible for the blood movement to the prostate. This is part of the process called “embolization.” Because of that, less oxygen and nutrients reach the prostate, and ultimately, the prostate shrinks.
Reduced Urinary Symptoms: The shrinking of the prostate relieves pressure on the urethra, resulting in reduced urinary symptoms. Patients typically see a difference in a few days or weeks.
Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization
For the millions of men suffering from moderate to severe BPH symptoms, this groundbreaking therapy presents multiple advantages, including:
Minimally Invasive
Requires no cuts or stitches. PAE is performed through a very small puncture site, causing little trauma and allowing a rapid recovery time.
No General Anaesthesia
In fact, the procedure is safer for elderly patients or patients with co-existing medical problems because it is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation.
Outpatient Procedure
The majority of our patients go home the same day and return to normal light activities within 24–48 hours.
Preserves Sexual Function
In contrast to conventional surgery, such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), PAE has a significantly lower risk of sexual adverse effects, such as erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation.
Long-Term Relief
Research indicates that prostate embolization for BPH can relieve symptoms over the long term for a significant number of patients and that prostate reduction can persist for months post-procedure.
Who Are Good Fit for Prostate Embolization
Not everyone is entitled to prostate artery embolization here is what all is needed to have this treatment:
You have at least moderate BPH symptoms.
You have poorly responded to medication, or the medication side effects are intolerable.
You are seeking a non-invasive alternative to the TURP or laser procedures
You are worried about maintaining sexual function
You have other health issues that put you at risk for surgery
Imaging and assessment by an interventional radiologist (IR) is performed to ensure that the arteries can be accessed safely with a high likelihood and that the procedure can be performed successfully.
Before, During, and After The Procedure
Before the Procedure
You will receive imaging tests (MRI or CT angiography) to map arteries feeding the prostate.
Your physician will evaluate your medical history and ensure that you are an appropriate candidate.
During the Procedure
Overall, the whole process lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
The procedure is done in a sterile outpatient setting with local anaesthesia with or without conscious sedation.
After the Procedure
You will feel little pain in the pelvis, or will have a short fever or little exhaustion for many days.
Within 48 hours, most patients are back to normal activity.
Symptoms will often begin to improve within a 2–4 week window and continue to do so over time.
Bottom Line
If you are one of the millions of men who suffer daily from the discomforts of BPH but want to avoid unnecessary surgery, prostate embolization for BPH may be just what you need. This highly advanced procedure is being offered by Dr. Gaurav Gangwani Vascular Clinic, which is a leading interventional radiologist center with excellent success rates and satisfied patients.
Dr. Gangwani Vascular Clinic specialises in prostate artery embolization, delivering tailored treatment with advanced imaging and minimally invasive approaches, giving you back your life with less pain, less recovery, and wiser urinary function.
Book your consultation now to know if prostate embolization is a solution for you and take charge of your prostate health today.
