Prostate artery embolization (PAE) for an enlarged prostate

What is prostate artery embolization?

Prostate artery embolization, or PAE, is a way to shrink an enlarged prostate without surgery on the prostate itself. An interventional radiologist, a doctor who treats conditions through the blood vessels using imaging, places a thin tube called a catheter into an artery in the upper thigh or the wrist. Guided by X-ray images, the catheter is steered to the small arteries that feed the prostate. Tiny beads are then released to partly block that blood supply. Over the following weeks the prostate gradually shrinks, which can ease pressure on the urethra and improve the flow of urine. PAE is done as an outpatient procedure.

Who may be a candidate for PAE?

PAE is one of several options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is usually considered for men who:

• have a larger enlarged prostate, generally over about 50 grams;
• still have bothersome symptoms despite BPH medicines; and
• would like to avoid surgery on the prostate.

It is not the right fit for every man. Our urologists compare it with medicines, UroLift, Aquablation, TURP and HoLEP based on your prostate size, symptoms, health and priorities.

Where are you evaluated, and where is PAE done?

Your evaluation starts close to where you live: at our Lawrenceville Clinic & Surgery Center, our Braselton Clinic or our Oakwood Clinic. Our team reviews your symptoms, runs the usual prostate tests and talks through every option with you. If you and our urologists decide PAE is worth pursuing, the procedure itself is done at our Alpharetta-Roswell or Decatur location, and your follow-up care continues with the team you already know.

What tests come first?

Before PAE is planned, we usually check how well you empty your bladder, measure your urine flow, confirm the size of the prostate with imaging, and review a PSA blood test when it fits your age. These steps make sure the symptoms come from the prostate and help decide which treatment fits. Our weak stream and night peeing page explains that visit.

What do men ask about PAE?

Is PAE surgery?

No. It is done through a small puncture in an artery, with no incision in the prostate. It is an outpatient procedure.

Who performs PAE?

An interventional radiologist performs PAE. That is a doctor who treats conditions through the blood vessels using imaging guidance, and the procedure is done at our Alpharetta-Roswell or Decatur location.

Can I have PAE in Lawrenceville, Braselton or Oakwood?

Your consultation and follow-up can happen at any of those three offices. The procedure itself is done at our Alpharetta-Roswell or Decatur location.

How soon might I notice a change?

The prostate shrinks gradually, so improvement usually builds over several weeks. Our team explains what to expect for you.

Is PAE right for every enlarged prostate?

No. It is generally considered for larger glands when medicines have not helped. Our urologists compare it with the other options at your visit.

How do I start?

Call (678) 344-8900 or book online and ask for an enlarged prostate treatment consultation at Lawrenceville, Braselton or Oakwood. The first visit reviews your symptoms and usually includes a urine test and a bladder-emptying scan, with prostate imaging and a PSA test when they fit. PAE is then compared with medicines, UroLift and surgery for your situation.

Which video can help?

Where can you read more?

The prostate artery embolization page on advancedurology.com describes the procedure in more detail.

Looking at treatment options?

Our enlarged prostate treatment page compares PAE with medicines, UroLift and surgery.

Where can you be seen for this?

Our Lawrenceville Clinic & Surgery Center on Crown Pointe Way has exam rooms, imaging and an outpatient surgery center under one roof. Our Braselton Clinic on Old Winder Hwy cares for Braselton, Hoschton, Jefferson and Buford families. Gainesville, Flowery Branch and other Hall County patients are seen at our Oakwood Clinic on Mundy Mill Road. Any procedure from the Braselton or Oakwood offices is done at the Lawrenceville surgery center.