Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Non-Surgical Procedure in Charleston, SC
At Lowcountry Urology Clinic in Charleston, SC, we offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a painless, minimally invasive, and non-surgical procedure designed to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). This innovative procedure works by shrinking the prostate through the selective blockage of blood vessels that supply it. By cutting off the blood supply to the prostate, PAE reduces its size and alleviates the urinary symptoms associated with BPH, such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating.
Our board-certified urologists consider PAE to be one of several valuable treatment options for BPH, providing an effective alternative for patients seeking relief without the need for traditional surgical interventions. If you’re experiencing symptoms of BPH, contact us today to learn more about Prostate Artery Embolization and whether it’s the right solution for you.
What is BPH?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. BPH is a very common condition that affects over 42 million men in the US and over 660 million aging men worldwide. Over 40% of men in their 50s and over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man’s quality of life.
As the prostate enlarges, it presses on and blocks the urethra, causing bothersome urinary symptoms. If left untreated, BPH can lead to permanent bladder damage.
Why Consider Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) Treatment?
Advancements in interventional radiology (IR) have made it possible to treat many conditions without the need for traditional surgery. One such treatment, Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), is a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike open surgery, minimally invasive treatments like PAE offer:
Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional prostate surgeries, PAE is a non-surgical procedure that requires no incisions, reducing the risk of complications and promoting a faster recovery.
Effective Symptom Relief: PAE targets the root cause of BPH—an enlarged prostate—by cutting off its blood supply, which leads to a reduction in size and relief from troublesome symptoms like frequent urination, urinary urgency, and difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
Quick Recovery Time: With PAE, most patients experience a significantly shorter recovery time compared to surgical options, allowing them to return to normal activities much sooner.
Preserves Sexual Function: Unlike some surgical treatments for BPH, PAE is less likely to affect sexual function, making it a preferred option for many men.
Suitable for Various Patients: PAE is a great option for those who are not ideal candidates for traditional surgery due to health conditions, age, or personal preference for a less invasive solution.
How PAE Works
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure that works by blocking one or more blood vessels supplying the prostate. Using imaging techniques like CT and ultrasound, a skilled radiologist guides small tools, such as catheters and wires, to deliver the treatment effectively.
During the procedure, a small puncture is made in an artery, typically in the groin or wrist, to insert a microcatheter—a tiny, flexible tube—into the prostate arteries. Once in place, tiny beads are injected through the tube, where they become lodged in the prostate arteries, blocking blood flow. This blockage causes the excess prostate tissue to shrink, reducing the size of the prostate and relieving pressure on the urethra, which helps alleviate urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Learn More in This PAE Video
Schedule a PAE Consultation in Charleston, SC
Lowcountry Urology offers Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat BPH without the need for surgery. If you’re experiencing bothersome symptoms of an enlarged prostate, PAE may provide effective relief and a quicker recovery. Contact us today at our urology clinics in Charleston, SC to learn more about how PAE can improve your quality of life.