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PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION

Interventional Radiology

  • PAE Treatment

The procedure begins with a tiny incision in the groin area or wrist. This incision provides the access to arteries that feed the prostate. Using specialized X-ray equipment, Dr. Parsons passes a small catheter (small tube) into the blood vessels that supply the enlarged prostate.

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Once Dr. Parsons has reached the arteries supplying the prostate, embolic material (tiny spheres) are injected through the catheter which subsequently deprives oxygen to the prostate, causing it to shrink. The embolic material remains permanently in the blood vessels at the prostate site. Once Dr. Parsons has completed embolization of the prostatic arteries, the catheter is gently removed. A small inflatable cuff is applied to the wrist, overlying access to the artery, until the artery has healed. The entire PAE treatment typically lasts 90 minutes.

Prostate artery embolization

  • Before Treatment

Dr. Parsons will explain all pre-procedureral testing, including CAT Scan imaging. Conscious sedation or moderate sedation, which means you will be awake during the procedure but you will feel groggy, is typically performed. 

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PAE is performed as an outpatient prostate treatment procedure in our state of the art facility. Dr. Parsons is the only physician in Oklahoma to offer PAE. After you arrive at the facility, you will be prepped for the procedure by the staff. This includes initiating the sedation and other medication discussed during your consult. Other medications to help manage post-procedure effects may also be administered at this time. A detailed discussion of the medications that will be used in the management of your post-procedure care will be had. Once you feel groggy or sleepy, you will be moved to the Radiology Suite, where the treatment will be performed.

Prostate artery embolization

  • Post Procedure

Later that day, you may go home or, if from out of town, to a local hotel. You must have a familiar driver, as you will be sleepy from the sedation.

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Most men experience some degree of discomfort in their pelvis and while voiding for the first 1-2 days. This is a typical phenomenon also called post embolization syndrome, which happens secondary to shutting off the blood supply to an organ, in this case the prostate. 

 

Upon discharge, you will receive medications for pain management. Patients can expect to begin returning to normal activities within a few days. 

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Dr. Parsons will schedule your post-procedure appointments to check your recovery. Typical time frames for these appointments are one week post-procedure, and three months post-procedure. 

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