Treatments

Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men where the prostate enlarges and causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). During PAE, a catheter is inserted through the femoral or radial artery and guided under fluoroscopy to the prostatic arteries. Tiny embolic particles are then injected to block blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, leading to shrinkage of the gland and improvement of urinary symptoms. PAE is an alternative to surgery such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate), especially in patients who are poor surgical candidates or prefer a minimally invasive option.

Indications

• Moderate to severe LUTS due to BPH
• Patients unsuitable for surgery (high surgical risk, anticoagulation use, etc.)
• Preference for minimally invasive, outpatient procedure

Procedure Steps

• Vascular access via femoral or radial artery
• Angiography to map pelvic arteries and identify prostatic arteries
• Microcatheter advanced into prostatic arteries
• Embolic particles injected to reduce prostate blood supply
• Post-embolisation angiogram to confirm reduction in flow

Benefits

• Significant improvement in urinary symptoms
• Minimally invasive, no general anesthesia needed
• Short recovery time, often same-day discharge
• Preserves sexual function in most patients compared to surgical options

Risks / Complications

• Groin or wrist hematoma (at access site)
• Non-target embolisation (rare, may affect bladder or rectum)
• Temporary urinary discomfort, frequency, or urgency
• Rare infection or acute urinary retention