For those of you with enlarged prostates (non-cancerous) out there with frequent urination symptoms:

Have any of you had the Prostatic Arterial Embolization (PAE) procedure done? It is a fairly new procedure (past 10 years) in which a small tube is inserted into your leg, and threaded through your arteries into the two arteries supplying the prostate. Then, tiny beads, each the size of a grain of sand, are injected into the artery to reduce the blood supply to the prostate. The idea is to reduce blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and relieve symptoms. The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist. I would be put under twilight (mild) sedation during the procedure. Relief from shrinking the prostate generally happens within 30 days.

The risks are far less then a TURP procedure, as it is much less invasive. Apparently, about the worst outcome that happens is that the procedure does no good at all. But if that happens, it does not eliminate pursuing more aggressive options, like the TURP procedure.

TURP scares me because of the potential side effects, which could be permanent, recovery takes longer and is not very pleasant. There is practically no recovery with PAE because it is minimally invasive.

Anyone have any lessons learned or comments?

I don't know about PAE but I had a TURP and some years later, diagnosed with prostate cancer, the TURP precluded any treatment but prostatectomy. I didn't get a second opinion.

Haven’t had it done but will look into it. Will follow this for further info.
Thanks for posting.

TURP is no big deal. I first had the TUNA procedure, which didn't accomplish much. Later had the TURP with no residual side effects.

Take a look at the ReZume procedure.

A uhhh, friend recently was introduced to this.
Non cutting, in office minimally invasive option.

ETA: After reviewing all current options, this seemed the most direct/least down-side potentials. Procedure took about 10 minutes of docs time. Then I ...er...'my friend' drove home.

4 weeks post procedure & very good improvement, with signs further normalization to be expected. I've got a link to some basic information if you can't google-fu some yourself.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: signewt,

I met with a Dr Bagla who does PAE here in VA (Woodbridge) a few years ago. Was impressed but decided to hold off. In meantime I've checked into Urolift which takes off pressure from the urethra whereas PAE takes time to take effect.

Sooner or later I'll end up doing something but hopefully a better technique or medication will come along. No way would I agree to a TURP!

Another option is the green light laser. Not as complete as a TURP, but way less invasive with minimal time need to use a catheter and very rapid recovery!