Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) interventional radiologists offer prostate artery embolization (PAE) to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Another term for BPH is enlarged prostate. It is a noncancerous condition that causes the prostate to grow and cause bothersome urinary symptoms, such as leaking and frequent urges to urinate.

Treatment for BPH

The current standard of care for BPH surgery is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, TURP has several possible side effects:

• Bladder control issues  
• Bleeding 
• Pain 
• Sexual dysfunction 

TURP also requires hospitalization and the use of a catheter after surgery.

Benefits of PAE

Depending on your situation, PAE may be an alternative to TURP as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. Our interventional radiology (IR) team can perform PAE for BPH without general anesthesia. It is a safe, effective and minimally invasive surgical treatment. Plus, you can undergo PAE as an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll go home after the procedure.

Why Choose BIDMC for PAE

PAE is an incredibly intricate and technically challenging procedure. If you’re considering the procedure, it’s critical that you choose an experienced surgical team. When you undergo the procedure with a team that has extensive experience, it is remarkably safe and effective.  

The BIDMC IR team performs among the most PAEs of any medical institution in the country. Our doctors, who perform PAE, are experienced and ready to support your treatment.

What to Expect

To begin your procedure, the interventional radiologist makes a pin-sized hole in your wrist or groin. They insert a small catheter into the artery that supplies blood to the prostate. They inject tiny round particles into the vessels. The particles reduce blood flow, allowing the gland to shrink.  

Most people notice improvement in their urinary symptoms very soon after PAE — typically within just a few days. You can expect to enjoy things you haven’t done without interruption for years, such as playing a full round of golf or watching a movie.  

Within a few weeks after PAE, the prostate size can shrink by 30% or more. This helps to: 

• Ease urinary symptoms. 
• Spare erectile function. 
• Dramatically increase your quality of life. 

Many who have undergone this procedure can stop taking BPH medications that they’ve needed for years.