What is prostate artery embolisation?

In one of our latest medical articles, distinguished consultant interventional radiologist, Dr James Briggs, explains what prostate artery embolisation is, and what typically happens during this procedure. 

What is prostate artery embolisation?

Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition characterised by an enlarged prostate gland. While traditional treatments for BPH often involve medication or surgery, PAE offers a less invasive alternative with promising results.

What happens during a prostate artery embolisation procedure?

During a prostate artery embolisation procedure, a specially trained interventional radiologist inserts a thin, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery in the groin or wrist and navigates it to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate gland. Once the catheter is positioned correctly, tiny particles or microspheres are injected into the arteries, blocking blood flow to the prostate tissue and causing it to shrink over time.

What are the main associated benefits?

One of the main benefits of prostate artery embolisation is its minimally invasive nature. Unlike traditional surgical treatments for BPH, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser therapy, PAE does not require any incisions or removal of tissue, resulting in less pain, shorter recovery times, and fewer complications. Most patients are able to return home the same day or the following day after the procedure and can resume normal activities within a few days.

Furthermore, prostate artery embolisation offers a high success rate in improving urinary symptoms associated with BPH, such as frequent urination, urgency, weak urine flow, and incomplete bladder emptying. Studies have shown that PAE can significantly reduce prostate volume, relieve urinary symptoms, and improve quality of life for men with BPH, with effects lasting several years.

Another advantage of prostate artery embolisation is its potential to preserve sexual function. Unlike surgical treatments for BPH, which may carry a risk of erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation, PAE has been shown to have minimal impact on sexual function, with most men experiencing either no change or improvement in sexual health following the procedure.