Kurt Williams of WTKR News 3 recently highlighted the efforts of MCR Interventional Radiologist Adam Lustig using the minimally invasive procedure called Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) for the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Enlarged prostate, or BPH, symptoms affect approximately 50 percent of men in their 50s and as many as 90 percent in their 70s and 80s. As the prostate gland grows, it can slow or stop the flow of urine from the bladder—also called bladder outflow obstruction. Your symptoms may include frequent urination, the urgency to urinate, poor urine stream, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. BPH may also be a cause of hematuria or blood in one’s urine.
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) may be used to reduce the size of the prostate and relieve the bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms. PAE is a minimally invasive treatment that has less risk, less pain and less recovery time than traditional surgery. It also does not carry the risk of sexual side effects typically associated with invasive prostate surgeries. Improvement in symptoms can be seen as early as 1 month after the procedure. Maximum benefits are seen at 6 months and are just as good a TURP.
PAE is a safe and effective a treatment option for appropriately selected patients, particularly those who cannot tolerate surgery or have failed other medical therapy; older patients with multiple conditions; patients with very large prostates; patients with bleeding from the prostate or with long-term bladder catheters; patients who cannot stop anticoagulation therapies; and patients who desire to preserve sexual function.
For more information about this procedure, please contact Sentara MCR Interventional Radiology at (757) 388-3401.
