Prostate artery embolization in Georgia
An enlarged prostate is an uncomfortable but common problem. According to the Society of Interventional Radiology, about 50% of males will experience prostate growth by their early 50s. This percentage increases with every decade of life. The good news is that prostate artery embolization in Georgia can help.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is an outpatient approach to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.
Let’s take a closer look at this non-surgical prostate treatment and explain what you can expect during PAE in Georgia.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
When an infection or cancer does not cause an enlarged prostate, it is called benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH causes highly disruptive and uncomfortable symptoms that affect urinary continence and sexual function.
These symptoms may include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak urine streams
- Urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination (primarily at night)
- Feeling that the bladder isn't empty after urinating
- Halting urination (urine stream stopping and starting)
Unfortunately, BPH does not improve on its own. Some patients can experience relief with medications and lifestyle modifications. However, significant symptoms only improve through treatment. Enlarged prostate embolization is one of the most effective ways to treat symptomatic BPH.
What is prostate artery embolization?
Prostate artery embolization in Georgia is an interventional radiology prostate treatment. It is a non-surgical procedure that has gained attention as an alternative to traditional BPH treatments.
This procedure delivers tiny particles into the arteries that deliver the prostate's blood supply. By restricting blood from the prostate, the prostate tissues will die off. This reduces the size of the prostate and relieves symptoms over time.
How PAE works
BPH treatment in Georgia is performed by a board-certified interventional radiologist. A PAE procedure involves a series of steps that include the following:
- An interventional radiologist inserts a small, narrow catheter into a minor incision in the groin.
- This specialist uses image-guided techniques to navigate through blood vessels and reach the arteries that supply blood to the prostate.
- Once they identify the appropriate arteries, the doctor uses the catheter to inject microscopic particles to block the arteries. This is what reduces blood to the prostate.
Benefits of PAE
Prostate artery embolization in Georgia comes with several unique benefits, including:
- Minimally invasive: One of the advantages of PAE is its minimally invasive nature. This means it can be performed without the need for general anesthesia.
- More comfortable: Due to its minimally invasive nature, PAE tends to make it a more comfortable option for many patients.
- Shorter recovery: It also has a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgical treatments for BPH. As such, patients can return to their normal activities sooner.
- Lower risk of side effects: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), PAE has a lower risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and other sexual side effects compared to other treatments.
- Significantly improved symptoms: The NIH also states that PAE research shows the treatment provides significant reductions in prostate volume, improved urinary flow rate, and reduced need for medications after surgery.
Who is a candidate for PAE?
Patients who do not want to endure invasive surgeries may find PAE a viable treatment option. Most men with symptomatic BPH, healthy kidney function, and no allergies to contrast dyes are candidates for PAE.
Patients might be screened for arterial occlusions that could complicate PAE. The screening might involve undergoing a computed tomography (CT) angiogram or a magnetic resonance angiogram.
Recovery and expected outcomes
Prostate artery embolization in Georgia is an outpatient procedure. It generally takes roughly two hours to perform. Patients can return home on the day of the treatment.
Recovery time is minimal, with patients able to return to their normal activities within a week or so.
Why choose Georgia Endovascular for PAE
Georgia Endovascular is proud to provide the services of expert interventional radiologists who specialize in prostate artery embolization in Georgia. This highly effective procedure is an excellent treatment option for patients struggling with symptomatic BPH.
If you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient locations. They will evaluate your condition and determine if prostate artery embolization is right for you.
We invite you to contact us today to find out if PAE is right for you.
FAQs
If you still have questions about prostate artery embolization, please explore these frequently asked questions about PAE.
What symptoms can PAE help relieve?
Prostate artery embolization can improve the urinary symptoms of BPH. These include frequent urination, waking up to urinate, and a weak urine stream.
How long does the PAE procedure take?
The PAE procedure is an outpatient procedure that typically takes two hours.
Is prostate artery embolization covered by insurance?
Yes, prostate artery embolization is typically covered by most major health insurance plans, including Medicare.
What are the risks and side effects of PAE?
PAE is generally well-tolerated and has a lower risk of erectile dysfunction than other BPH treatments. However, some patients may experience pain or discomfort after the procedure.
How soon will I notice symptom improvement after PAE?
Most men can return to their normal activities within a week of PAE. However, it may take several weeks to months for full symptom relief.
Understanding Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE):
