Prostatic Artery Embolization For BPH in Bangalore

What is Prostatic Artery Embolization?

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive surgery to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate occurs when cells in the prostate gland multiply. This causes the prostate gland to swell, squeezing the urethra (urine tube) and limiting the flow of urine. Enlarged prostate (BPH) does not cause cancer, but it causes symptoms that can affect your quality of life.

What Does A Prostate Gland Do?

The prostate plays a vital role in male fertility. It is a tiny rubbery gland located between the penis and rectum (end part of the large intestine). The prostate gland is responsible for producing a thick, milky fluid that makes up about 30% of semen. This fluid contains enzymes, citric acid, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which helps to nourish and protect sperm as it travels through the female reproductive tract. The fluid also helps to neutralize the acidic environment of the vagina, increasing the chances of sperm survival.

How Is Prostatic Artery Embolization Procedure Done?

An interventional radiologist (IR) performs a prostatic artery embolization (PAE) procedure. These surgeons use X-rays and other imaging techniques to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery. A PAE procedure takes about an hour or two to complete. Here is how it is done. 

STEP 1: Prior to the procedure, the patient may be given a mild sedative to help them relax. They will also be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted.

STEP 2: A Foley catheter (a thin tube used to drain urine) will be inserted into your urethra and positioned in your bladder to provide a reference point of the surrounding anatomy.

STEP 3: An X-ray in which dye is injected into the blood vessels to mark the affected blood vessels feeding your prostate (arteriogram). 

STEP 4: A solution is injected (microscopic plastic beads) into the arteries that feed the prostate gland. This will block the supply of blood to the gland. *This is achieved by making a quarter-inch hole in the groin (thigh area next to the penis)*.

STEP 5: An Interventional Radiologist (IR) moves the catheter to treat the varicocele on the other side of the prostate gland. (This procedure is done if you have varicoceles on both sides).

NOTE: This procedure does not use general anesthesia and is painless. You can return home the same day requiring a few days to recover.

Am I Eligible For Prostatic Artery Embolization Procedure?

Initially, an interventional radiologist near me will determine if you are an ideal candidate for PAE. You may be questioned about how often you face any kind of urinary discomfort, its severity, and to what extent that affects your everyday life. A doctor will recommend the following tests to understand the severity of your prostate. 

• Urinalysis (Urine test)
• Digital rectal exam (This will help understand the size of your prostate)
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test (This is done to understand if you have prostate cancer)
• MRI & Ultrasound test of the prostate gland (Imaging tests)

Why Do You Need Prostatic Artery Embolization?

As the prostate enlarges, it may block the urethra causing lower urinary tract symptoms such as:

• Urinary incontinence (accidentally leaking urine) 
• Increased urinary frequency
• Increased urge to urinate 

For some patients, these symptoms interfere with their quality of life thus affecting the way they think, act and feel in their surroundings. A PAE procedure is the best to treat BPH or an enlarged prostate.

Risks & Complications

The below-listed risk factors are temporary and tend to fade with time. A prostatic artery embolization procedure must be carried out by an experienced, knowledgeable, and trained interventional radiologist. Here’s what you may experience immediately after the procedure.

• Mild pelvic pain
• Frequent urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Blood in urine, semen, and stools
• Infection in the prostate

Why Choose Medfin?

Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is absolutely normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty tasks of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest costs. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health & recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!