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Prostate Artery Embolization

A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Introduction

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Prostate Artery Embolization

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — a common condition in which the prostate gland enlarges and causes troublesome urinary symptoms.

Common symptoms of BPH include:
 

  • Frequent urination (especially at night)

  • Urinary urgency

  • Weak urine stream

  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination

  • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
     

PAE reduces blood flow to the prostate, causing it to gradually shrink and relieving symptoms — without the need for traditional surgery.

Appreciation Letter to Dr Naushad

Patient appreciation letter to Dr. Naushad

How does the procedure work?

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PAE is performed by an Interventional Radiologist under local anaesthesia or light sedation.

During the procedure:

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  1. A tiny catheter (thin tube) is inserted into an artery in the left wrist (radial artery) or groin (femoral artery).

  2. Using real-time X-ray guidance, the catheter is carefully guided to the arteries supplying the prostate.

  3. Microspheres (tiny particles) are injected to selectively block blood flow to targeted areas of the prostate.

  4. Reduced blood supply causes the prostate to shrink gradually, improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms.

The procedure typically takes 1–2 hours.

 

Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization

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  1. Minimally invasive – no surgical incision

  2. Short recovery time – most patients resume normal activities within 1–2 days

  3. Preserves sexual function – very low risk of erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory problems

  4. No general anaesthesia required

  5. Suitable for men with large prostates or those on blood-thinning medication

  6. Option for patients who wish to avoid surgery

 

Safety and potential risks

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PAE is generally very safe and well tolerated. As with any medical procedure, some risks exist.

Common, temporary side effects may include:

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  1. Mild bruising or soreness at the access site

  2. Temporary urinary discomfort or burning

  3. Mild pelvic discomfort

  4. Small amounts of blood in urine or semen

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Less common risks include:

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  1. Temporary urinary retention (may require short-term catheter use)

  2. Urinary tract or prostate infection

  3. Very rarely, unintended blockage of nearby blood vessels

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Most side effects resolve within days to weeks and are managed with medication.

 

Recovery and results

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  1. Hospital stay: Daycase or overnight observation

  2. Recovery: Light activities within 24–48 hours

  3. Symptom improvement: Often begins within weeks and continues as the prostate shrinks over several months

  4. Pain control: Mild discomfort usually managed with simple pain medication

Medical Tools Overview
MRI Scan Room

Impact on sexual function

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Unlike some surgical treatments for BPH, PAE usually preserves sexual function.

Most men do not experience erectile dysfunction after PAE. Many patients report improved quality of life and sexual well-being following symptom relief.

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Possible temporary effects may include:

  1. Mild blood in semen

  2. Rarely, retrograde ejaculation (semen flowing backward into the bladder)

 

Who is a good candidate for PAE?

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PAE may be suitable for men who:

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  1. Have moderate to severe urinary symptoms due to BPH

  2. Wish to avoid surgery

  3. Are not ideal surgical candidates

  4. Have large prostates

  5. Are taking blood-thinning medication

  6. Want to preserve sexual function and achieve a faster recovery

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A detailed evaluation is performed to confirm suitability.

 

Long-term effectiveness

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PAE provides long-lasting symptom relief, often for many years. If symptoms recur over time, the procedure can be safely repeated in selected patients.

 

Why choose Prostate Artery Embolization?

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  1. Proven reduction in prostate size and urinary symptoms

  2. Minimally invasive alternative to surgery

  3. Fewer risks and complications

  4. Minimal downtime with durable results

 

Why choose PAE at Nairobi Interventional Radiology Services?

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  1. Expertise in advanced, image-guided minimally invasive procedures

  2. Modern angiography facilities

  3. Patient-centered care focused on safety and comfort

  4. Close collaboration with urologists for comprehensive evaluation

 

Take the first step toward relief

If you are struggling with urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) may offer safe and effective relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)?

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate enlarges and causes symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and weak urine flow.

During the procedure:
 

  • A catheter is inserted into your femoral artery (at the groin), or your radial artery (at your left wrist), and microspheres (tiny particles) are delivered to the arteries supplying the prostate. 
    T    hese microspheres block blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink and relieving symptoms


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Is Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) safe?


​PAE is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, as with any procedure, there are some risks:

Common side effects: Bruising at the puncture site, mild pain, and temporary urinary symptoms (like burning during urination).

Serious complications are rare but can include:

Infection

Urinary retention, which may require the use of a catheter.

Overall, the procedure is minimally invasive with a lower risk compared to traditional surgery.

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What is the recovery like?

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Recovery time: Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 days.

Some may experience mild discomfort, such as a burning sensation when urinating, which usually resolves within a week.

Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers can typically manage discomfort.

Full symptom relief may take several weeks or months as the prostate gradually shrinks.

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Does PAE affect sexual function?

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PAE is generally not associated with sexual dysfunction or erectile dysfunction. In fact, some men report an improvement in sexual function following the procedure.

However, there are small risks:

Retrograde ejaculation: This occurs when semen flows into the bladder instead of out during ejaculation.

Blood in the semen: This can be a temporary side effect.

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Who is a good candidate for PAE?

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PAE is ideal for men with BPH symptoms who:

Prefer to avoid surgery.

Are not candidates for traditional surgery due to other health conditions.

Have large prostates or need to continue taking blood thinners.

Want to preserve sexual function.

It is also an option for those concerned about the risks or recovery time of more invasive surgeries.

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How long do the effects of PAE last?

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For many men, PAE offers long-lasting symptom relief, with improvements often lasting for several years. However, some patients may experience a recurrence of symptoms over time. In such cases, repeat PAE may be an option.

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What are the potential risks of PAE?

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While PAE is generally safe, there are some risks to consider:

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Common risks:

Bruising at the puncture site.

Mild pain.

Temporary urinary symptoms (e.g., burning sensation or blood in urine/semen).

Less common risks:

Urinary retention, requiring a catheter.

Bladder or prostate infection.

Unintended injection of microspheres into other pelvic organs.

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