Non-Surgical BPH Treatment in Kansas City & Overland Park

What Is Non-Surgical PAE Treatment?

Prostatic artery embolization, or PAE, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Because BPH is an enlarged prostate gland, the overall goal of PAE treatment is to reduce the size of the prostate and decrease any symptoms. PAE uses microscopic beads to block the blood flow to the prostate, which deprives the cells of oxygen and ultimately helps the gland shrink in size.

Our Interventional Radiologists at The University of Kansas Interventional Radiology treat BPH with the minimally-invasive PAE procedure. If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH or are considering your surgical treatment, please call (913) 588-1030 to schedule a consultation at our BPH treatment center in Kansas City or Overland Park to discuss your treatment options.

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Who Is a Candidate for PAE?

As a minimally invasive procedure that preserves sexual function, non-surgical PAE is an alternative to medications and surgical BPH treatment options. Many patients find this procedure beneficial when compared to more complex treatment methods. If any of the following are true for you, you may be a candidate for non-surgical PAE:

• You have BPH, or are experiencing symptoms associated with BPH.
• You’re looking to preserve sexual function during BPH treatment.
• You have a reaction to BPH medication, or would prefer another route of treatment.
• You’re either not a candidate for, or do not want BPH surgical treatment.

How Does Non-Surgical PAE Treatment Work?

If you have determined you are a viable candidate for non-surgical PAE or are actively deciding about treatment for an enlarged prostate, it’s important to understand the steps you will need to take before undergoing the PAE procedure.

Prior to Treatment

Before the PAE treatment begins, you may undergo a brief physical examination and a series of ultrasounds or MRIs. This will assist in evaluating the rate of urine flow. As you prepare for the procedure, you will be given a mild sedative, but remain awake. Because PAE is generally an outpatient procedure, no general anesthesia is needed.

During Treatment at the KU Medical Center

As the procedure begins, a small incision will be made in your upper thigh or wrist as to gain access to your arterial system. A small, spaghetti-like catheter is then placed into the vessels that supply blood to your prostate.

As the prostate is reached, small microscopic particles are injected into the blood vessels and the blood flow to your prostate is decreased. This process will be repeated as to reach both sides of the prostate.

After the Treatment

As the blood flow decreases, the prostate will begin to shrink, and your urinary symptoms will begin to improve. Because the treatment is outpatient and takes nearly one to four hours to perform, you can resume normal activity within the day.