How long does prostate artery embolization last?

Prostatic artery embolization is a non-surgical, FDA-approved procedure that treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It relieves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with an enlarged prosate, and it does not result in sexual side effects. But what about the results: how long does prostate artery embolization last? This post will tell you that and more.

What is prostate artery embolization?

PAE is a procedure, performed via catheter and guided imaging, that deposits tiny particles that block blood flow to your prostate. As a result, the enlarged prostate shrinks, and you experience BPH symptom relief. The procedure avoids general anesthesia because it's performed in an outpatient setting, under moderate sedation. PAE typically takes about two hours to complete and you can usually go home on the same day as your procedure, avoiding the discomfort and expense of overnight hospital stays.

How long does prostate artery embolization last when it comes to relief?

Information presented at last year's Society of Interventional Radiology's Annual Scientific Meeting highlighted PAE's lasting efficacy. After following up with 1000 PAE patients in North America, the review found that their LUTS relief lasted as long as six years.

Senior study author Dr. Shivank Bhatia explained "Our study shows that PAE is a highly effective treatment whose long-term outcomes include sustained LUTS relief and significant improvement in quality of life."

And he noted the importance of sharing these results widely, since, "Of 18 million men in the U.S. eligible for BPH treatment, many avoid all treatments because of the widely known risks of surgery, particularly sexual side effects and leakage. PAE avoids these risks while achieving long-term positive clinical outcomes."

Want to learn more about PAE? Click here to request an appointment at the Georgia Prostate Institute. Together, we'll decide if this procedure is right for you!