Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition affecting men caused by an enlarged prostate gland. The enlarged prostate compresses on the urine channel leading from the bladder outwards – the urethra, and as a result, affects the flow and passage of urine.

SYMPTOMS

Patients suffering from BPH may have symptoms affecting their lifestyle considerably. Some of these symptoms include:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Urinary tract infection
• Inability to urinate/empty the bladder
• Blood in the urine

CAUSES/RISK FACTORS

• Older age
• Family history of prostate problems
• Higher BMI/low levels of physical activity

OUR TREATMENTS

Prostate Artery Embolisation

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that treats the enlarged and troublesome prostate by blocking off the arteries that feed the gland and making it shrink. PAE was first performed in 2009, and since then, many men worldwide have been treated successfully with this method. In PAE, a puncture is made in the groin artery under local anaesthesia, and a guidewire and catheter are passed under X-ray guidance to the arteries that supply the prostate. Tiny microspheres/ particles are then injected into the small arteries that supply the prostate to block off the blood supply to the prostate. As a result, the prostate shrinks and the urethra is less compressed.

PAE can be done as a day surgery procedure under local anaesthesia and some mild sedation. Most patients experience minimal pain and discomfort from the procedure, recover within 4–6 hours post-procedure and can be discharged home.

PAE does not have any risk of urinary incontinence or impotence. Studies have shown that after PAE is done, the majority of patients report an improvement in their troublesome symptoms. Many men also can stop taking oral medication long term. This makes PAE very cost-effective for such patients.

Patients who are particularly suitable for PAE:

• Patients taking oral medication but still having symptoms
• Patients who have undergone other procedures (see above) but have not seen improvement in their symptoms
• Elderly patients with severe symptoms and who are considered at significant risk for general anaesthesia and surgery
• Patients not suitable for TURP due to bleeding risks
• Patients who wish to maintain their urinary continence and sexual potency

Click here to download our Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Brochure

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