Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE) is an advanced non-surgical procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)—a condition where the prostate gland enlarges and causes troublesome urinary symptoms in men, especially after the age of 50.
Rather than removing prostate tissue through surgery (TURP), PAE works by blocking the blood flow to the enlarged areas of the prostate, causing them to shrink naturally over time. The procedure is minimally invasive, performed through a tiny puncture in the groin or wrist, and requires no general anesthesia or hospital stay.
At CARE CHL Hospital, Indore, Dr. Alok K. Udiya offers image-guided Prostatic Artery Embolisation to men seeking relief from urinary symptoms while avoiding the side effects and complications of traditional surgery.
Key Benefits of the Treatment
PAE is a well-established alternative to surgery, offering excellent symptom relief with fewer side effects:
- No Surgery Required: Avoids cuts, bleeding, and catheterization.
- Minimally Invasive: Performed through a pinhole using catheter-based techniques.
- Preserves Sexual Function: Low risk of retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
- Short Recovery Time: Patients return to normal life in 1–3 days.
- Outpatient or Day-Care Procedure: No overnight hospital stay needed.
- Effective for Large Prostates: Suitable for glands too large for TURP.
- Fewer Side Effects: Less urinary incontinence or bleeding than surgery.
How This Treatment Works
PAE uses embolic agents to selectively block the arteries feeding the prostate gland, reducing its size and relieving pressure on the urethra.
1.
Initial Evaluation
Patients undergo:
- Ultrasound and PSA Test
- MRI or CT Angiography for prostate size and artery mapping
- Urine flow studies (uroflowmetry)
- Clinical assessment using IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score)
Ideal candidates:
- Men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms (LUTS)
- Prostate volume >40–50cc
- Failed medications or unwilling for TURP
2.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
- Routine blood tests and renal function checked
- Instructions to stop certain medications (e.g., blood thinners)
- Fasting for 6–8 hours
3.
Procedure Steps
- A small catheter is inserted through the femoral or radial artery.
- Under fluoroscopic guidance, the prostatic arteries are located.
- Embolic particles are injected to block blood supply to the prostate.
- The procedure is bilateral—performed on both sides.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
4.
Recovery
- 4–6 hours of observation post-procedure
- Most patients go home the same day or the next morning
- Symptom improvement begins in 2–4 weeks and continues for up to 6 months
- Follow-up includes ultrasound and symptom scoring at 1, 3, and 6 months
Why Choose Dr. Alok K. Udiya for PAE?
PAE is a specialized procedure that requires experience in both interventional radiology and pelvic vascular anatomy.
Dr. Alok K. Udiya offers:
- Expertise in over 100+ prostate embolisations
- Access to state-of-the-art DSA angiography suite
- High success rate in complex or post-TURP recurrence cases
- Personalized planning with urologist collaboration
- Experience treating patients with high-risk comorbidities
His approach ensures minimal discomfort, maximum symptom control, and long-term patient satisfaction.
FAQs – Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE)
Q1. What symptoms does PAE treat?
PAE helps with:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Weak urine stream
- Incomplete emptying
- Urgency or straining
Q2. Is this a permanent solution?
PAE offers long-term symptom relief, with over 80% of patients avoiding further surgery for 5+ years.
Q3. Will I still need to take prostate medication?
Many patients can stop medications after successful embolisation. This is reviewed during follow-up.
Q4. Is PAE painful?
No. It is performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation. Patients feel little to no discomfort.
Q5. How long before I feel relief?
Most patients experience symptom relief within 2–4 weeks, with continued improvement for months.
Q6. Can it be done for large prostates?
Yes. PAE is especially effective in very large glands, where surgery may be riskier.
Q7. Are there side effects?
Some may experience:
- Mild pelvic discomfort or burning during urination
- Temporary urinary frequency or urgency
- Post-embolization syndrome (fever, malaise)
These are usually mild and resolve on their own.
Q8. Does PAE affect sexual function?
PAE has minimal impact on sexual performance, with most patients maintaining or improving function.
Q9. Can PAE be repeated?
Yes, in rare cases of recurrence, repeat embolization is possible and safe.
Q10. Is this covered by insurance?
Yes. PAE is covered by many insurance providers under minimally invasive prostate treatment.