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Vascular Interventional Radiology

Prostate Artery Embolization

A minimally invasive solution for benign prostate enlargement

Request an Appointment Minimally Invasive What Is PAE? Our Providers Contact Us

Request an Appointment

The Vascular Interventional Radiology team at ChristianaCare offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a treatment for men with an enlarged prostate from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

To request an appointment, complete the form below or call us at 302-733-5625

A Minimally Invasive Solution

An enlarged prostate is often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is the most common noncancerous tumor found in men. For many years, traditional treatment had potential side effects that were just as uncomfortable and embarrassing as the symptoms treated.

Fortunately for those struggling with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, new minimally invasive options are a serious improvement. They offer a far greater success rate and a much lower risk of negative side effects. ChristianaCare is happy to offer prostate artery embolization (PAE) for men whose lives are affected by an enlarged prostate due to BPH.

Request an Appointment

What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

PAE is a procedure that uses a small catheter to inject microparticles into the prostatic arteries. This blocks blood flow and reduces the size of the prostate. It’s minimally invasive and usually performed as an outpatient procedure, requiring only local anesthesia.

A senior man talking with his adult sons in a garden, close up

If you’re on this page, you may already know you suffer from an enlarged prostate due to BPH. But if you’re unsure, knowing the symptoms can help you decide if it’s time to talk with a specialist. Possible symptoms and effects of an enlarged prostate include:

  • Urge to urinate.
  • More frequent urination.
  • Intermittent urination.
  • Disrupted sleep due to frequent need to urinate.
  • Weak urine stream.
  • Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
  • Urinary retention requiring catheterization.

If these symptoms significantly harm your quality of life, your doctor may first suggest an oral medication. If this isn’t effective, or if symptoms are severe, the traditional next step is a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

PAE improves upon this technique, offering patients shorter stays, milder recoveries and a much lower risk of urinary incontinence and sexual side effects.

Our surgeons use advanced technology to visualize and operate on the affected area. PAE is minimally invasive and far less painful than traditional surgery. It also offers a lower risk of complications, plus shorter recovery times. Learn more about our minimally invasive surgical options.

As a minimally invasive procedure, PAE takes patient comfort to the next level. It relieves the actual symptoms of an enlarged prostate, and offers benefits as an alternative to traditional, more invasive surgery. Those traditional open surgeries usually require hospitalization, anesthesia and a longer recovery. Plus, they can carry the risk of side effects like urinary incontinence and severe sexual dysfunction.

On the other hand, PAE is an outpatient procedure. It can be done same-day, with local anesthesia and much less risk of side effects. It is incredibly safe and effective, and the complication rate is low. When complications do occur, most can be treated easily. These include:

  • Bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Temporary inability to urinate.
  • Blockage of other blood vessels outside of the prostate gland.

Enlarged prostate affects about 70% of men older than 60. Because of the risks associated with traditional surgery, many patients opt for PAE as a less invasive alternative. PAE might be right for you if you:

  • Have blood in your urine.
  • Are being treated for prostate cancer.
  • Take long-term medications to prevent blood clots that require frequent urological intervention.
  • Have reasonable kidney function and are not allergic to the contrast dyes used in the PAE procedure.
  • Are not eligible for or interested in a traditional surgery.

A thorough exam with an interventional radiologist can help determine if you’re a good candidate for PAE. This will include an evaluation of your medical history, a physical exam and a review of any imaging relevant to your condition.

Read on for a detailed overview of the prostate artery embolization process. It sounds involved, but for the patient, it’s very simple and far less invasive than traditional surgery.

  • An arteriogram is performed using X-rays and special dyes to map out the blood vessels feeding your prostate.
  • A catheter may be inserted into your urethra and positioned in your bladder to provide a reference point of the surrounding area. It is done under local anesthesia and won’t cause any discomfort.
  • A small catheter is inserted into the artery in your wrist or groin. The imaging specialist who performs the procedure will guide the catheter into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate.
  • Tiny particles are injected into the blood vessels to reduce blood supply to the prostate.
  • The interventional radiologist will then move the catheter and repeat the process on the other side of the prostate.
  • Over the first few days following the procedure, the prostate will shrink, relieving symptoms.
  • Recovery is usually very mild. Most people have only minor symptoms in the first few days. These may include low fever, fatigue and mild pelvic cramping.
  • Your provider will let you know what activities to avoid in the days following the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activity after a day or two.
  • One week after your procedure, you’ll have a follow-up appointment. After three months, we’ll perform imaging to check your progress.

Meet Our Providers

PAEs are performed at ChristianaCare by our board-certified vascular interventional radiologists. They’re highly trained and deeply experienced, and are experts at treating a variety of conditions. No referral is required for PAE treatment for BPH.

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Contact Us

ChristianaCare Vascular Interventional Radiology

Center for Heart & Vascular Health
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Suite 1E20,
Newark, DE 19713

Get directions and find out more
Call 302-733-5625