Prostate Artery Embolization v1

Prostate Treatment To Improve Urinary Symptoms

Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (BPH) or benign prostate enlargement affects roughly 50% of men aged 51-60, and this number shoots up to approximately 90% by age 80. Prostate artery embolization is an effective, minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment which is safer and does not have the sexual side effects of surgical treatments.

Symptoms of BPH

Treatment Options

There are several oral medications that can be used to treat BPH symptoms. Unfortunately, a certain proportion of men do not benefit from these drugs. Invasive surgical procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), are usually offered to these individuals.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): A Minimally-Invasive Treatment for BPH

In suitable patients, prostate artery embolization (PAE), a state-of-the-art minimally invasive procedure, may be utilized instead of more invasive surgical methods. The purpose of PAE is to significantly improve the urinary symptoms linked to BPH and shrink the prostate. This is achieved by making a tiny puncture in the left wrist or groin, into which a microcatheter is inserted and threaded to the prostate artery.  Microparticles are released into the prostate artery, greatly reducing the blood supply to the prostate. As a result, the gland’s size and potential for growth both decrease.

Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) for Treating Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

  • PAE less invasive than surgical treatments such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves the removal of part of the prostate to decrease pressure on the urethra.
  • There is generally no hospital stay required with PAE, whereas with TURP, a few nights in a hospital are needed.
  • Faster recovery time:  PAE patients recover in a few days to a couple weeks, whereas TURP patients may need several weeks.
  • Sexual function and ejaculatory function is unaffected.
  • Lower risk of side effects with PAE, whereas the possible side effects of TURP include a loss of sexual function and ejaculatory function.
  • Patients have a significantly better quality of life following PAE.

What To Expect On Treatment Day

Prostate artery embolization is performed at the Florida Interventional Institute as a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure. To perform the procedure, our interventional radiologist, Dr. Prasoon Mohan, MD, will run a small catheter under x-ray guidance (as the patient is under moderate sedation) into the prostate arteries via a simple needle stick. Then, the small particles are released from the catheter into the arteries so to create a blockage called an embolization, while still enabling total blood flow to the rest of the surrounding tissue. Upon completion of the procedure, patients are discharged within a few hours, and they begin to feel relief from the symptoms of BPH over time for the long-term.

Florida Interventional Institute is among the only outpatient facilities in Florida providing this minimally invasive therapy option in the outpatient setting.

Feedback from Our Patients

Dr Mohan has a great bedside manner and quiet confidence about him that puts you at ease. I first met him when he performed microwave ablation on my husband’s liver as part of his cancer treatment. One year later Dr Mohan did ablation laser therapy on my varicose veins.

Deborah Shearer

Dr. Mohan makes the most complicated and complex surgeries easy and fun for the patient. He is very caring and has impeccable “Bedside Manners” which is most comforting for an afraid patient. Can’t wait to visit him again. Thanks.

Thomas Axmacher

Dr. Mohamed Saved my life! The care leading up till I got accepted for my liver transplant was nothing but the best and most professional and at times difficult. Being the cancer had to be controlled and not spread through out it was just that… he controlled it, got rid of it, explained every procedure thoroughly.

William Gerardi