Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition marked by an enlarged prostate. One of the main concerns men have about this condition is that treatments—such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)—can negatively affect sexual function (ejaculation and erection). Fortunately, there’s a treatment alternative that’s considered safer for sexual function: Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE).
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What is Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)?
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that involves releasing tiny (microscopic) particles into the arteries supplying blood to the prostate gland.
These small particles block the blood flow to the prostate, and within a few weeks, the size of the prostate shrinks.
Some treatments for BPH may negatively impact a man’s sexual function, but this risk is significantly lower with PAE. Patients can typically return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
PAE Procedure for Treating Benign Prostate Enlargement
Here’s how the PAE procedure is generally carried out:
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The doctor makes a small incision in the groin area.
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A small catheter is inserted into the artery that supplies blood to the prostate.
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A solution containing thousands of specially designed round particles is then injected into the blood vessel. As it reaches the prostate, the particles gradually block the blood flow to that area, causing the enlarged prostate to shrink over time.
PAE typically does not require general anesthesia, as the procedure is not very painful. Most patients can go home the same day and only need a few days of recovery at home before resuming normal activities. However, this can vary based on each patient’s condition. In some cases, anesthesia and hospitalization may be necessary.
After embolization, the prostate gland receives less blood and begins to shrink. This allows the urethra to open up and urine to flow more normally. The good news is that shrinking the prostate via PAE does not negatively affect male sexual function—in fact, some patients report improvements in their sexual function after undergoing PAE.
See also: An Australian Patient’s Experience Undergoing Rezum Therapy for Prostate Enlargement at Mandaya
Advantages of PAE Embolization for Benign Prostate Enlargement
There are several benefits to using PAE embolization for treating BPH:
- Minimally invasive and outpatient-based (patients can go home the same day with the doctor’s approval)
- Less pain, fewer risks, and shorter recovery time compared to open surgery
- A good alternative for patients who aren’t suitable candidates for BPH surgery
- Does not interfere with sexual function (erection and ejaculation)
- Suitable for larger prostate sizes — PAE can reduce prostate size by up to 30%
PAE Embolization at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers PAE embolization services for treating cases of benign prostate enlargement in men.
The procedure is carried out by our team of experienced urology doctors, such as:
- Dr. Hendy Mirza, Sp.U(K)
- Dr. Maruto Harjanggi, BSc(Hons), Sp.U
- Dr. Ima Nastiti Setyaningsih, Sp.U
In addition to PAE, the Mandaya Urology Center also provides other treatment options for BPH, such as Rezum therapy and TURP.
See also: The Latest Technology for Treating Prostate Enlargement with Rezum Now Available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Mandaya Puri Hospital also offers prostate check-up programs to assess prostate health. Beyond BPH, the Mandaya Urology Center is supported by a team of experienced doctors and advanced facilities to address other urological issues, such as kidney stones, testicular varicocele, adrenal tumors, and even prostate cancer.
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