Central Ohio Urology Group has opened a state-of-the-art Interventional Radiology Center and launched a groundbreaking initiative in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. BPH is a common condition that can significantly impact the quality of life of affected men and Prostate Artery Embolization offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional surgical interventions for the management of BPH, with comparable efficacy and fewer risks of complications.

Interventional radiology can be used to treat a variety of urologic conditions including benign prostatic hyperplasia, blockages of the urinary tract, vascular abnormalities that commonly cause pain, and urologic malignancies such as kidney cancer.

Among the various treatment options available, prostate artery embolization (PAE) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical interventions, and we are very excited to be pioneering the use of this procedure in Central Ohio. PAE involves the selective occlusion of the arteries that supply blood to the prostate gland, leading to its shrinkage and subsequent improvement in urinary symptoms. Unlike traditional surgical procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy, which carry risks of complications such as bleeding, infection, and erectile dysfunction, PAE offers a safer and less invasive approach with comparable efficacy.

Patient selection criteria for PAE include prostate size, severity of symptoms, presence of urinary retention, and suitability for vascular intervention. Patients with significantly enlarged prostates (>80 grams) or those with severe urinary symptoms may derive the greatest benefit from PAE.

Prior to undergoing any procedural intervention for BPH, patients should undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including cystoscopy, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI of the prostate), and assessment of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to rule out prostate cancer. Additionally, patients should be counseled about the potential risks and benefits of these various options, understanding that certain procedural options may be recommended over others based on the size and anatomy of the prostate gland.

The procedural technique for PAE involves the insertion of a catheter into the femoral artery, followed by the navigation of microcatheters into the prostatic arteries under fluoroscopic guidance. Once the target arteries are identified, embolic agents are injected to block blood flow to the prostate gland selectively. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and conscious sedation, allowing for a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay compared to traditional surgical procedures. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days following the procedure, with significant improvement in urinary symptoms observed within weeks to months.

While PAE is generally well-tolerated, potential complications mirror those of other BPH interventions.Long-term studies evaluating the durability of symptom relief and the need for repeat interventions are ongoing, but initial results suggest that PAE provides sustained benefits in the majority of patients. Learn more at www.WeFixProstatesOH.com.