Prostatic Artery Embolization

General Information

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment designed to alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH refers to the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, affecting approximately one in four men by age 55 and half of men by age 75. As the prostate enlarges, it may partially obstruct the urethra, leading to bothersome urinary symptoms. These symptoms include urinary incontinence, increased frequency and nighttime urination, urinary urgency, and pain during urination.

For men who are not satisfied by their medical therapy and are either ineligible for traditional surgery or prefer a less invasive approach, PAE offers an effective solution. Via a small puncture in the upper thigh or arm, an interventional radiologist (IR) guides a catheter to the vessels supplying blood to the prostate. By blocking these blood vessels using tiny particles, PAE reduces the size of the prostate gland, providing relief from urinary symptoms without the need for major surgery.

PAE is performed as a same-day procedure, meaning no hospitalization is required. And unlike more invasive surgical options like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), PAE carries a lower risk of urinary incontinence and sexual side effects, such as retrograde ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

If you are interested in learning more about whether PAE may be right for you, please schedule an appointment for a full consultation.

Prostatic Artery Embolization Treatments Radiology Co-Directors:

Location:

• Procedures are performed at: UCI Medical Center – 101 City S Dr., Orange
• Consultations will be done at:  UCI Medical Center Pavilion 3 – 101 City S Dr, Orange, CA / UCI Multispecialty Clinic – 1451 Irvine Blvd., Tustin, CA