How Long Does Prostate Artery Embolization Last?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): A Long-Term Solution for BPH

Is an enlarged prostate disrupting your daily life? Many men experience symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping the urine stream, and even urinary tract infections. These issues often stem from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition that affects men as they age.

One promising treatment option for BPH is prostate artery embolization (PAE). In this blog post, we'll delve into what PAE is, how it works, and most importantly, how long does it last.

What is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the enlarged prostate by reducing blood flow to it. A specialized doctor called an interventional radiologist uses imaging guidance to thread a catheter through your arteries and inject tiny particles into the blood vessels that supply the prostate. These particles decrease the blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink and alleviate symptoms.

How Does PAE Work?

1. Imaging Guidance: The interventional radiologist uses X-ray imaging to visualize the blood vessels leading to the prostate.
2. Catheter Insertion: A thin, hollow tube called a catheter is inserted into your groin and carefully guided through your arteries to the prostate.
3. Particle Injection: Tiny, spherical particles are injected through the catheter into the blood vessels supplying the prostate. These particles lodge in the vessels, blocking blood flow and causing the prostate to shrink.

Benefits of PAE

• Minimally invasive: No major incisions or general anesthesia required.
• Quick recovery: Patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.
• Low risk of side effects: Compared to traditional prostate surgery, PAE has a lower risk of complications that are seen with more traditional treatments like erectile dysfunction or incontinence.
• Long-lasting results: Studies have shown that PAE can provide symptom relief for several years, and in some cases, even longer.

How Long Do the Effects of PAE Last?

While individual results may vary, multiple studies have shown that PAE can provide long-lasting symptom relief for many men. While the effects can gradually wear off over time, many patients experience significant improvement for several years.

Factors Affecting PAE's Duration

Several factors can influence how long the effects of PAE last, including:

• Prostate size before the procedure: Larger prostates may require more extensive treatment.
• Success of the blood vessel blockage: The more complete the blockage, the longer the effects may last.
• Overall health and age: Younger, healthier patients may experience longer-lasting results.
• Presence of other health conditions: Underlying health issues can affect treatment outcomes.

Now, let’s get to the big question: how long can you expect the effects of PAE to last? The good news is that several long-term studies have followed men for several years after their PAE procedure. Here’s what they’ve found:

• Portuguese Study: A study conducted in Portugal followed over 1,000 men for up to 10 years after PAE. It found that 72% of men still had significant symptom improvement five years after the procedure, and 60% still had good results after 10 years. 
• Brazilian Study: This study tracked men for up to 6.5 years post-PAE and found that 80% of men had good symptom control after 2.5 years. However, this dropped to 35% after 6.5 years, showing a decline in effectiveness over time.
• French Study: A smaller study in France followed 49 men for four years after PAE. It reported that 77.5% of men did not require any additional prostate surgery during this period, indicating sustained effectiveness. 
• Chinese Study: Another study from China followed 125 men for up to five years. The cumulative clinical success rates were 82.4% at two years, 65.5% at three years, 52.4% at four years, and 37.4% at five years. The recurrence rates of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) increased over time, with 60.4% experiencing recurrence by the fifth year.

Additionally, a North American study, as detailed in Endovascular Today, followed 1,000 men who underwent PAE and reported significant sustained relief from LUTS and improved quality of life up to six years after the procedure. This study emphasizes that PAE provides a highly effective, long-term treatment option for men with BPH.

So while the effects of PAE may gradually wear off over the span of years, most men can expect to have durable symptom relief after the procedure, compearble to other traditionjal PAE treatments. And if your symptoms do start to come back, you can always have a repeat minimally invasive PAE procedure or explore other treatment options with your doctor.

Is PAE Right for You?

If you're considering PAE for BPH, consult with your doctor to discuss the potential risks and benefits. While PAE is generally safe and effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. Your doctor will evaluate your individual situation to determine if PAE is the right choice for you.

Discover Freedom from BPH Symptoms with PAE

Are you tired of constantly planning your day around the nearest bathroom? Do you feel like your enlarged prostate is holding you back from living life to the fullest? We specialize in PAE, a minimally invasive procedure that can help you break free from the chains of BPH symptoms and enjoy long-lasting relief.

Dr. Yosef Golowa our highly experienced interventional radiologist and prostate specialist with over 20 years of dedicated expertise, leads our team in providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. With PAE, you can experience significant improvements in your symptoms, including a stronger urine stream, less frequent urination, and improved bladder emptying.

You don’t have to waste valuable time searching online for “prostate specialist near me.” Take the first step towards reclaiming your freedom and improving your quality of life by contacting Prostate Specialists of Miami today. Call us now at (212) 991-9991 or visit our website to fill out our online form and schedule your consultation with Dr. Golowa. During your visit, he will thoroughly evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment options, and work with you to develop a comprehensive plan to address your prostate health needs.