Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
Prostatic artery embolization, or PAE, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. Because BPH is an enlarged prostate gland, the overall goal of PAE treatment is to reduce the size of the prostate and decrease any symptoms.
Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) In-office, non-surgical treatment for BPH
The PAE procedure shrinks the prostate gland, providing relief of the symptoms. Following this procedure, the prostate will begin to shrink, relieving and improving symptoms usually within days of the procedure.
How Does PAE Work?
PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist (IR) at one of our dedicated IR Centers. An interventional radiologist is a doctor who uses X-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery.
The Interventional Radiologist places a tiny catheter into the arteries that feed the prostate gland. A solution containing thousands of microscopic plastic beads is injected; these block the blood supply by shutting down blood flow to the gland. All of this is accomplished through a tiny quarter-inch hole in the groin.
The PAE procedure is not all that painful so a general anesthesia is not needed. The procedure will be completed in-office at AUA and the patient will go home the same day with just a small bandage. The patient will only require a few days of recovery at home before returning to normal everyday life and activities.
Following the procedure, the prostate gland is starved of its blood supply, and will begin to shrink allowing the urethra to open up and urine to flow more normally.
What are the Benefits of PAE?
Minimally Invasive:
PAE is minimally invasive procedure that does not require an incision.
Quick procedure:
Painless, outpatient procedure takes about two hours, so patients go home the same day.
Faster recovery:
Performed in an outpatient setting, there’s no need for general anesthesia. Recovery typically takes just a few days at home before patients can return to work and other activities.
Reduced risk of side effects:
PAE has been shown to have fewer side effects and risks than other widely used treatments for BPH. PAE boasts a lower risk of complications like sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence compared to other BPH treatments. Shrinking the prostate does not have any negative impact on sexual function.
Long-lasting results:
Studies show PAE provides sustained relief from BPH symptoms for many years.
Who would PAE be good for?
If you have been diagnosed with BPH, or experience symptoms that are not controlled well by medications and if you are not able to or do not want to undergo invasive surgical treatments, you are candidate for PAE.
Discuss your individual situation with a board-certified urologist at Advanced Urology Associates to determine if PAE is the right treatment for your BPH.
What are the Risks of the PAE procedure?
The side effects that can occur following the PAE procedure is transient blood in urine (hematuria), rectal bleeding, and acute urinary retention. Post-PAE side effects are minimal and usually resolve within 1-3 days. All of these potential complications will either resolve on their own or can be treated with a short course of medication.
PAE has been shown to have fewer side effects than other widely used treatments for BPH such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) surgery, which is associated with incontinence, retrograde ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction issues in men. When the procedure is performed by an experienced physician, the complication rate is extremely low and the procedure is incredibly safe and effective.
Do I need a referral for PAE?
You do not need a referral to have a PAE procedure, however a full evaluation by a urologist at Advanced Urology Associates is important before we can make a final decision about performing the procedure.
Is PAE covered by insurance?
Since the procedure is so new, some insurance companies may not offer coverage for PAE unless certain conditions are met, like having blood in the urine (hematuria). After discussing your medical history with you, we can check on coverage with your insurance company.
How long does the procedure take?
The outpatient procedure takes about one-two hours. Patients will go home the same day and recovery typically takes just a few days at home before returning to work and other daily activities.
Will my sexual function change?
The PAE procedure treats enlarged prostates without the risk of sexual side effects. Shrinking the prostate does not have any negative impact on sexual function.
Call us today or click the button below to schedule an PAE appointment.
BPH
PAE Patient Education Brochure
Prostate Health Patient Education
Advanced Urology Appointments for PAE
The initial consultation can take place at any of our Advanced Urology offices. If it’s determined that PAE is right for you, the actual procedure will then be performed in-office by our Interventional Radiologist at our dedicated IR Center in New Lenox, IL.
Request an Advanced Urology appointment for PAE with us today at any one of our Chicagoland locations in Joliet, New Lenox and Minooka, IL. Click the link below or call us at 815.409.4930.
