Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses imaging to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that’s common in men. During the PAE procedure, Neel Patel, MD inserts a tiny catheter into the patient’s wrist artery (radial artery) and guides it down to the pelvis under X-ray guidance. Then, via an even smaller microcatheter, tiny particles block blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink.
PAE is an outpatient office procedure that doesn’t require hospitalization. It’s considered to be nearly as effective as surgical alternatives like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) at reducing prostate size and improving urinary symptoms. PAE also has a lower risk of sexual side effects and urinary incontinence than TURP. Studies have shown that the results of PAE can last for at least 3–4 years but could last much longer.
A randomized trial comparing PAE vs. TURP showed a reduction of lower urinary tract symptoms in the PAE group was similar to that in the TURP group at 12 months, with fewer complications secondary to PAE (J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2020 Jun;31(6):882-890).
PAE intake process
- Schedule a telemedicine appointment with Dr. Patel
- Appropriate labs/imaging will be ordered
- Dr Patel will review these results via a telemedicine follow up appointment
- Schedule an appointment for PAE procedure if you are a candidate
PAE Procedure
- You do not eat or drink midnight before the procedure
- Have a driver to and from our office
- You will receive IV conscious sedation during the procedure, no general anesthesia
- The procedure is performed using image guidance and typically takes 1-2 hours
- After the procedure you are monitored and then discharged home from the office
Post PAE procedure recovery
- Typical symptoms after the first few days after the procedure include frequent urination, urinary discomfort/pelvic pressure which resolves in a few days. By one week, you will recover from the procedure.
- After 1-2 months you notice your preprocedure urinary symptoms have improved and will continue to improve over several additional months.