Interventional Radiology For Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a medical specialty that uses advanced imaging technology to perform treatments with precision and minimal invasion. These procedures often result in:

• Less risk

• Less discomfort

• Shorter recovery time

Why Choose Interventional Radiology for BPH?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is performed using a catheter-based technique, eliminating the need for open surgery. This procedure allows our physicians to shrink the prostate with:

• Lower complication risk

• Faster recovery

• Improved patient comfort

Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is very common among aging men—nearly 20 million men in the U.S. live with this condition.

Typical symptoms include:

• Frequent urination, day and night

• Weak or slow urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

• Sudden urgency to urinate

• A stop-and-start urine stream

How Prostate Artery Embolization Works

During PAE, a tiny catheter is placed into the artery supplying blood to the prostate. Using X-ray guidance, small particles are released to reduce blood flow, which causes the prostate to shrink.

As the prostate decreases in size, pressure on the urinary tract lessens—helping men regain normal bladder function and relief from urinary symptoms.

How PAE Compares to Other Treatments

Traditional surgeries like TURP, GreenLight Laser, and HoLEP are effective but carry risks such as:

• Bleeding

• Sexual dysfunction

• Incontinence

Minimally invasive procedures such as UroLift and Rezum are effective for smaller prostates, but less so for larger glands.

PAE offers a proven, minimally invasive alternative—with fewer risks and a shorter recovery time.

What to Expect with PAE

• Outpatient procedure — no hospital stay required

• Light sedation only — no general anesthesia

• No incision or catheter typically needed

• Minimal discomfort afterward

Benefits and Considerations

Benefits:

• Significant symptom relief

• Improved quality of life

• Quick return to daily activities

Temporary side effects may include:

• Mild urinary frequency or urgency (5–7 days)

• Small amounts of blood in urine or semen

• Rare risks such as infection or skin discoloration

Most patients recover quickly and experience lasting improvements in urinary function.

At Urologic Surgeons of Arizona, our team is dedicated to providing the safest and most advanced options for men’s health.