In Collaboration with Pueblo Medical Group
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Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
If urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate are affecting your quality of life, you may be exploring alternatives to surgery.
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to reduce blood flow to the prostate, allowing it to shrink over time and relieve urinary symptoms.
Unlike traditional surgical procedures, PAE is performed through a tiny catheter inserted into an artery, typically in the wrist or groin, without removing prostate tissue.
Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.
What Is Prostate Artery Embolization?
Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an Interventional Radiologist.
During the procedure, tiny microscopic particles are delivered into the arteries supplying the enlarged prostate. These particles reduce blood flow to the overgrown prostate tissue, causing the gland to gradually shrink over the following weeks and months.
As pressure on the urethra decreases, urinary symptoms often improve.
PAE is designed to treat symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.
How Does PAE Work?
An enlarged prostate can compress the urethra and restrict urinary flow.
Using advanced imaging guidance, a small catheter is navigated through the blood vessels to the arteries supplying the prostate. Tiny embolization particles are then delivered to reduce blood flow to the enlarged tissue.
Over time, the prostate decreases in size, reducing pressure on the urethra and improving urinary symptoms.
Most improvements occur gradually over several weeks, with continued benefit over the following months.
Who May Be a Candidate for PAE?
Many men experiencing symptoms from an enlarged prostate may be candidates for PAE.
You may benefit from evaluation if you experience:
• Frequent urination
• Waking up multiple times at night to urinate
• Weak urinary stream
• Urinary urgency
• Difficulty emptying your bladder
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Symptoms despite medication use
PAE may be particularly attractive for men seeking a non-surgical treatment option or those wishing to avoid more invasive procedures.
A consultation and imaging review can help determine whether PAE may be appropriate for your specific situation.
Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization
PAE offers several potential advantages for appropriately selected patients.
Benefits may include:
• No surgical incision
• Outpatient treatment
• Same-day discharge
• Preservation of the prostate
• Short recovery period
• Reduced urinary frequency
• Reduced nighttime urination
• Improved urinary flow
• Improved quality of life
Every treatment option has advantages and limitations, and outcomes vary from patient to patient.
What Happens During the Procedure?
PAE is typically performed using moderate sedation.
A tiny catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and guided to the arteries supplying the prostate using real-time imaging.
Once the prostate arteries are identified, embolization particles are carefully delivered to reduce blood flow to the enlarged tissue.
The procedure generally takes several hours depending on individual anatomy.
Following treatment, patients are monitored briefly before returning home the same day.
Recovery After PAE
Most patients recover quickly following Prostate Artery Embolization.
Common temporary symptoms may include:
• Mild pelvic discomfort
• Increased urinary frequency
• Mild burning with urination
• Fatigue
These symptoms are usually temporary and improve over several days.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days, although individual recovery experiences vary.
Symptom improvement generally develops gradually as the prostate shrinks over time.
Risks and Potential Complications
As with any medical procedure, PAE carries potential risks.
Possible complications may include:
• Bleeding or bruising at the access site
• Temporary urinary irritation
• Urinary tract infection
• Temporary worsening of urinary symptoms
• Non-target embolization
Serious complications are uncommon but can occur.
During consultation, the risks, benefits, and alternatives can be reviewed in detail to help determine whether PAE is appropriate for your situation.
How Does PAE Compare to Other Enlarged Prostate Treatments?
Several treatment options exist for enlarged prostate symptoms, including:
• Medications
• UroLift®
• Rezūm™
• Aquablation®
• HoLEP
• TURP
• Prostate Artery Embolization
Each option offers different advantages, recovery expectations, and considerations.
Many patients find it helpful to compare all available treatments before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will PAE cure my enlarged prostate?
PAE is designed to reduce prostate size and improve urinary symptoms. The goal is meaningful symptom relief and improved quality of life.
How long does it take to work?
Many patients notice improvement within weeks, with continued improvement over several months.
Is PAE performed under general anesthesia?
Most procedures are performed using moderate sedation rather than general anesthesia.
How long is recovery?
Many patients resume normal activities within a few days.
Will I need a hospital stay?
PAE is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure with same-day discharge.
Ready to Discuss Your Options?
Every patient is different.
The best treatment depends on symptom severity, prostate size, personal goals, and overall health.
If you would like to learn whether Prostate Artery Embolization may be appropriate for you, schedule a consultation to review your symptoms, imaging, and treatment options.