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Having an enlarged prostate is one disease most men face at age 50 and above. An enlarged prostate also called benign prostate hyperplasia slows down the passage of urine, and affects ejaculation which makes a patient uncomfortable.
Many avoid going through surgical blades. Hence they prefer a non-surgical prostate procedure. Here are things you need to know about prostate artery embolization.
What Is Prostate Artery Embolization?
Prostate artery embolization is an outpatient operation performed by a radiologist to fix prostate artery issues. During this procedure, microscopic plastic beads are inserted into the arteries that feed the prostate.
Once the radiologist can see through the route created, microspheres are sent into the mapped blood cells. These microspheres are meant to reduce the flow of blood to the prostate.
This act shrinks the size of the prostate and thereafter reduces the pressure on the urinary tract and bladder.
How Long Does This Procedure Take?
Unlike a real surgical procedure that requires anesthetic drugs and other tools which will take a longer time to complete. The prostate artery embolization procedure only lasts between 3 to 4 hours maximum, except for rare abnormalities.
Patients can go home after the procedure, they get to heal in the long run and may only require recurrent checks up.
What Are The Side Effects of Prostate Artery Embolization?
Even though prostate artery embolization does not require a real surgical procedure, it has some negative side effects on patients. Here are some of them.
- Excess Bleeding
- Possibility of contracting an infection
- Temporal inability to pass urine
- Fatigue
- Pelvic pain
- Nausea
Your urologist will try as much as possible to prevent any complications and the risks will be discussed before the procedure.
Does Insurance Cover Prostate Artery Embolization?
Most insurance carriers cover this procedure, communicate with your insurance provider to know what your plan covers.
What Symptoms Show You Need Prostate Artery Embolization?
Prostate enlargement may not be a problem for all men above 50 years, but here are symptoms that point to the need for prostate artery embolization.
- Urinating frequently
- Disrupted sleep
- Weak flow of urine
- Inability to urinate
- Pain or strain while urinating
- Urinary tract infection
What Are The Benefits of Prostate Artery Embolization?
After a successful procedure, you’ll get to enjoy the following benefits.
- Improved urinary symptoms
- Minimal pelvic pain
- Ability to control urine
- Improved sexual ability
- Lower risk of complications
- Better quality of life
- Reduced bleeding which only occurs in a traditional surgical procedure
When Will Result Surface After PAE?
After the procedure, patients will experience positive results after 2 months. 5 to 6 months after the procedure, symptoms of enlarged prostate are no longer visible.
The impact of Prostate Artery Embolization has a long-term effect, hence, patients may enjoy improved life for over 4 years.
Conclusion
Enlarged prostate has been a major illness among men, thanks to scientific innovations that have offered quality solutions to patients.
If you’re a victim of prostate enlargement and you don’t like the idea of surgery, a prostate artery embolization procedure is a good choice for you.