Prostatic Artery Embolization – PAE | Interventional Radiology in Paris (2025)

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Prostatic artery embolization : treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benefits of Prostatic artery embolization

What is benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH ?

What are the symptoms of BPH ?

The sexual advantages of prostate embolization compared to traditional surgery

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address an enlarged prostate problems. Its purpose is to obstruct the blood vessels supplying the prostate. PAE results in a reduction of the prostate gland and relief from related symptoms.

PAE is a good option instead of regular surgery, giving patients a quicker and less invasive way to recover. Thousands of studies have shown the benefits of this procedure, leaving the patient with all his sexual functions.

Prostatic artery embolization : treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) represents a cutting-edge, minimally invasive approach gaining prominence in the treatment for enlarged prostate. Unlike common methods such as medicine or surgery, PAE offers a less obtrusive alternative.

Therefor, PAE is appealing to patients seeking reduced risks, swifter recovery and no impairment of their sexual functions.

The procedure kicks off with the insertion of a catheter into the femoral artery. Utilizing fluoroscopy and imaging technology, the catheter is skillfully advanced to reach the prostatic arteries. Once in position, the interventional radiologist inserts embolic agents through the catheter. These agents navigate through the arteries, reaching the smaller vessels that supply blood to the prostate and act as a glue.

By obstructing these vessels, PAE induces a controlled ischemic response. Which results in a reduction of blood flow to the prostate. This, in turn, leads to a controlled reduction in the size of the large prostate gland.

The patients sees his symptoms associated with his enlarged prostate relieved.

One of the notable advantages of PAE is its shorter recovery period when compared to traditional surgical interventions. Furthermore, the risk of complications is often lower. PAE is an attractive option for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for surgeries.

Prostatic artery embolization benefits

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) stands out as a revolutionary alternative to traditional surgical interventions for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This minimally invasive procedure boasts numerous advantages that contribute to its increasing popularity and patient satisfaction.

Non-Surgical Alternative: One of the primary benefits of PAE is its non-surgical nature. Unlike traditional surgeries, PAE doesn’t involve incisions or invasive procedures.

Non-invasive : PAE distinguishes itself by its low invasive approach. The procedure utilizes a catheter-based technique to reach the affected area. It reduces trauma to surrounding tissues and minimizing the risk of complications.

Sexual functions : PAE does not affect the patients sexual functions, studies have shown it can be improve.

Outpatient Procedure : PAE is an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home on the same day. This outpatient aspect is advantageous as it eliminates the need for prolonged hospital stays. Also reducing healthcare costs and enhancing overall convenience for patients.

Reduced Risks : The risks associated with PAE are generally lower compared to traditional surgical methods. With fewer complications, patients may experience a smoother recovery.

Scar-Free Results : PAE leaves no visible scars, a significant aesthetic advantage compared to conventional surgeries

Nearly Immediate Recovery : PAE offers a rapid recovery timeline. Many patients experience a quasi-immediate improvement in symptoms, allowing them to resume their daily activities swiftly.

Quality of Life Improvement : PAE has positive impact on the quality of life for patients.

Our “One Week Program” is specially designed for international patients, allowing them to come to Paris for a streamlined, one-week medical experience. During this week, patients will receive a full consultation, undergo necessary imaging, and complete their procedure. Since this is an outpatient procedure, there’s no need for an overnight hospital stay. Patients are able to return home just 48 hours after the procedure, making the process both efficient and convenient.

You can read more about it here.

• Preservation of erectile function : No erectile dysfunction after PAE unlike some surgical procedures for the prostate.
• No retrograde seemen discharge : Prostate embolization also tends to preserve ejaculatory function.
• Less impact on libido: This technique has less impact on libido compared to certain surgical procedures
• Improved sexual function: In some cases, prostate embolization can even lead to improved sexual function.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH

Enlarged prostate, known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting aging men. This non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland can cause various urinary symptoms, impacting the quality of life. As men age, the prostate, a walnut-sized gland surrounding the urethra, may undergo benign enlargement, leading to BPH. This can result in all kind of urinary symptoms.

Fortunately, BPH is a manageable condition with several treatment options available. Lifestyle changes, medications, and minimay invasive interventions can alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Symptoms of BPH – enlarged prostate

Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) typically revolve around urinary difficulties. The prostate’s enlargement pressing on the urethra and bladder result to common symptoms include:

1. Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night (nocturia).
2. Urgency: Having a sudden, strong urge to urinate immediately.
3. Weak flow of urine: Experiencing a slow or weak urinary stream.
4. Trouble Starting Urination: Difficulty starting urination, often needing to strain to start.
5. Urinary incontinence : Leaking or dribbling of urine, especially after finishing urination.
6. Intermittent urine: The urine stream starts and stops repeatedly.
7. Incomplete emptying of bladder: Feeling as though the bladder isn’t completely empty after urination.
8. Acute urinary retention: Sometimes patients can’t urinate at all, which is a medical emergency.
9. Urinary Tract Infections: Increased liability to infections because of urinary retention and incomplete emptying.

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically progress gradually. Severity isn’t always related to the size of the enlarged prostate.

Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in older men. Here’s an explanation in simple terms:

1. Aging: The most common cause of an enlarged prostate is getting older. It’s very common in men over 50.

2. Hormonal Changes: As men age, the balance of hormones in their body changes. This can cause the prostate gland to grow.

3. Genetics: If other men in your family had an enlarged prostate, you might be more likely to have it too.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Things like diet and exercise might have an impact, but this is less clear.

In short, an enlarged prostate is mainly due to aging and changes in hormone levels in the body. It’s a normal part of aging for many men.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) has relatively few side effects. As with any medical procedure, there are some risks, but they are generally minor compared to a surgical procedure.

Patients might experience some temporary discomfort or mild pain post-procedure, manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.

Some may have slight bruising or bleeding at the catheter insertion site. Also, PAE presents a low risk of infection. Rarely, patients might experience temporary urinary symptoms like difficulty urinating or a burning sensation.

Overall, PAE is a safer alternative to surgeries, with most men recovering quickly and with little complications.

The prostate gland plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system. Its main function is to produce and secrete prostate fluid, one of the components of semen. This fluid is vital as it makes up around 30% of the volume of semen and helps to nourish and transport sperm during ejaculation.

Prostate fluid’s alkalinity neutralizes vaginal tract acidity, making sperm live longer and increasing fertilization likelihood. During ejaculation, the prostate gland and its muscles push out the fluid and sperm through the penis. In essence, the prostate is key to both the fertility and sexual health of men.

1. Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks, caffeine can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms like frequent urination.
2. Alcohol: It can also irritate the bladder and increase the need to urinate.
3. Spicy Foods: These can irritate the bladder for some people.
4. Citrus Fruits: Like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, they might irritate the bladder.
5. Red Meat and High-Fat Dairy: Some studies suggest that these might increase the risk of BPH symptoms.
6. Processed Foods and Sugars: These can contribute to overall inflammation and might worsen BPH symptoms.
7. Salty Foods: High salt intake can make the body retain fluid, which might worsen symptoms.

Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s a good idea to monitor how these foods affect you personally. It’s also important to maintain a balanced diet and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.