Prostate artery embolization in Atlanta
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 Atlanta.
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 (PAE)?
Prostate artery embolization in Atlanta 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.
Prostate Artery Embolization vs. Prostatectomy
Prostatectomy is a surgical technique involving total or partial excision of the prostate. It is typically administered as a treatment for prostate cancer, but it is also highly effective for BPH. However, there are significant risks and side effects.
Prostatectomy requires more than a month of recovery time and continual monitoring. Patients must use a catheter for approximately one week post-procedure, and it can take up to a year to achieve urinary control. Full erectile function can take more than a year to resume.
Prostate Artery Embolization vs. TURP
TURP is another standard treatment option for BPH that involves the partial removal of the innermost tissue within the prostate. It is performed by inserting a resectoscope with a cutting device into the urethra.
TURP is associated with significant side effects, such as bleeding, development of scar tissue, infection, and prolonged catheterization.
How PAE works
BPH treatment in Atlanta 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 in Atlanta
Prostate artery embolization in Georgia comes with several unique benefits, including:
PAE offers the following advantages over other BPH interventions:
- Non-Surgical: Compared with surgical procedures, PAE is a relatively minor outpatient procedure requiring only local anesthesia.
- A Lower Risk of Sexual Dysfunction: In contrast to open surgery or TURP, PAE has a significantly lower occurrence of sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction. Traditional surgical interventions occasionally cause reproductive complications, while PAE has not been shown to interfere with erectile function.
- Minimal Recovery Time: PAE generally requires significantly shorter recovery times than other BPH interventions. With either short or no hospital stays required, patients may return to work and other activities within a few days.
- Lower Bleeding Complications: PAE does not require incisions or tissue removal, making the risk of bleeding minimal compared to other approaches. PAE might be a better approach for patients taking anticoagulant medications.
- Outpatient Treatment: Most patients may undergo PAE as an outpatient procedure, which allows the patient to return home on the day of the procedure without hospitalization.
- Patient-Specific Treatment: The PAE procedure is a customizable approach that can be designed to accommodate the degree of prostatic enlargement and the unique anatomy of the patient, leading to superior results.
- Effective Solution for Patients with Complicated Medical Histories: Older patients or patients with preexisting health complications who might not be eligible for traditional surgery might be eligible for PAE.
- Can be Performed Under Local Anesthesia: Open prostatectomy or TURP requires general or spinal anesthesia. PAE can be performed under local anesthesia, which could be a good option for patients with health issues that make them suboptimal candidates for standard 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. The following factors can affect PAE recovery time:
- Age: Age can significantly challenge PAE recovery time. Older patients may experience a longer recovery period due to their overall health and reduced healing capacity. Conversely, younger patients may recover more quickly.
- Overall health: The patient's general health can impact the recovery time after PAE. Patients with co-occurring medical challenges like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity may recover slower than those without such conditions.
- Prostate size: Prostate size can influence the length of time before symptom reduction after PAE. Larger prostates may require more time to shrink, while patients with less prostate mass might notice an improvement sooner.
- Symptom intensity: The severity of BPH symptoms before PAE can affect the recovery time. Patients with more severe symptoms may take longer to experience symptom relief and fully recover than those with milder symptoms.
- Post-procedure care: The level of care and adherence to post-procedure instructions can affect recovery time. Following the specialist's recommendations regarding medication, physical activity, and dietary restrictions can help promote a faster recovery.
- Complications: Problems occurring during or after the PAE procedure can prolong recovery. Complications like infection, bleeding, or blood clots may require additional medical intervention and extend the recovery period.
- Patient compliance: Patient compliance with follow-up appointments and prescribed medications can also influence recovery time. Regular monitoring and appropriate medication management can help identify issues and promote a smoother recovery.
It is important to note that while these factors can impact recovery times, each patient's experience may vary. Patients must communicate with their healthcare providers and follow their guidance for optimal recovery after PAE for BPH.
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.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Treatment in Atlanta 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.
What is the difference between PAE and TURP?
PAE is a nonsurgical, catheter-based procedure that reduces prostate size by limiting its blood supply.
TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is a surgical procedure that removes part of the prostate through the urethra.
PAE typically offers a shorter recovery, no general anesthesia, and fewer risks of sexual or urinary side effects.
How long does the PAE procedure take?
The PAE procedure is an outpatient procedure that typically takes two hours.
How long does prostate artery embolization last?
Most studies indicate that prostate artery embolization results last approximately four years. However, it's not unusual for symptom relief to last up to ten years.
What about prostate artery embolization and erectile dysfunction?
While erectile dysfunction can occur after prostate artery embolization, it is extremely rare. Prostate artery embolization has the lowest incidents of erectile dysfunction compared to standard surgical intervention and has even been found to improve erectile function in some patients.
What is the cost of prostate artery embolization?
Prostate artery embolization is among the most cost-effective treatments for BPH. The cost of prostate artery embolization can vary depending on the provider and the clinic's location, but the procedure typically costs approximately $2,000.
Is prostate artery embolization covered by insurance?
Yes, prostate artery embolization is typically covered by most major health insurance plans, including Medicare.
Who is not a candidate for prostate artery embolization?
Patients with kidney disease or damage are unsuitable candidates for prostate artery embolization. Moreover, patients with minimal prostate enlargement or who are asymptomatic are not good candidates for the procedure.
Patients with allergies to contrast dyes are not candidates for prostate artery embolization.
Your healthcare provider might require prostate imaging – ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – to determine whether prostate artery embolization is right for you.
What are prostatic artery embolization side effects?
Side effects of prostate artery embolization might include the following:
- Urinary infection
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Blood in semen
- Rectal bleeding
- Urinary retention
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.
Can prostate artery embolization be repeated?
Yes – prostate artery embolization can be safely repeated if symptoms return. However, if the procedure didn't reduce your lower urinary tract symptoms, having the procedure performed again isn't recommended.
Understanding Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE):
- Benefits of PAE Treatment
- PAE Procedure
- PAE Recovery Time
- PAE Research
- Prostate Artery Embolization FAQ
- PAE Side Effects
Serving the Greater Atlanta Area at these Convenient PAE Treatment Centers
Each location offers the same specialized Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) care delivered by board-certified interventional radiologists. Atlanta PAE specialists serve patients throughout Georgia at convenient locations, including:
