Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a treatment for an enlarged prostate, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), used to treat men in their 60s and 70s and some younger men, helping fix symptoms such as difficulty urinating.
The technique of PAE shrinks the prostate by inserting tiny spheres of a material called tri-acryl gelatin into the blood vessels that feed the prostate. The gelatin spheres partially block the blood supply to the prostate. When the prostate can no longer get as much blood, it shrinks, relieving some of the enlarged or enlarging prostate symptoms. This minimally invasive surgery is all performed through a single tiny puncture at the top of the leg and requires no stitches or downtime.
PAE is a better alternative in many cases to the more traditional treatment, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves cutting out part of the prostate. Although PAE is a relatively new procedure, clinical trials show evidence of significant improvement of symptom scores in patients who have received PAE. It is also a superior treatment to supplements such as saw palmetto, which are touted as treatments for enlarged prostate even though there is little research which supports their use.
Prostate Artery Embolization in Miami
Prostate Specialists of Miami, the practice of Dr. Adam Gropper, his staff, and medical professionals, are a trusted and established provider of vascular & interventional radiology in Miami, Florida. His expertise and empathy have allowed him to earn the trust of thousands of satisfied patients over the years.
If you are suffering from the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia in the Miami, FL area, contact Dr. Gropper at 786-500-5347 to set up an appointment. He and his staff will evaluate you and talk with you about your options.
Are You Experiencing One or More of the Following Symptoms of BPH?
How do you know if you have an enlarging prostate? Check the following list of symptoms and see if any of them apply to you.
- Difficulty starting a urine stream when urinating
- Increased frequency of urination, particularly at night
- Getting up at night to urinate frequently
- Failure to completely empty the bladder when urinating
- In severe cases, it might not be possible to urinate at all
- A weak urine stream
- Urine that continues to dribble after urination
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) in some cases. If you have a urinary tract infection, you may experience pain when urinating and frequent urges to urinate. Fever, chills, and other signs of infection may occur.
How to Determine Your International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
In 2014, researchers D’Silva, Damm, and Wong developed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) test, a standardized questionnaire to improve the diagnosis of urinary obstruction with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The questionnaire asks about seven common BPH symptoms and the overall effect of the symptoms on your quality of life. The IPSS questionnaire is available on the Prostate Specialists of Miami website.
What Can You Expect From Your Prostate Artery Embolization Treatment in Miami
When you arrive at your appointment with Prostate Specialists of Miami, you will take the IPSS and discuss your medical history and other symptoms that you experience. The staff may ask for a urine sample or blood work as well. Based on that consultation and test results, Dr. Gropper will decide whether PAE is likely to be a helpful treatment for you and will also discuss the risks and benefits. In some cases, non-surgical treatments such as medication may provide relief. One medication for benign hyperplasia of the prostate, Flomax, causes the prostate and bladder muscles to relax, making it easier to urinate even though it does not shrink the prostate.
If you and Dr. Gropper both decide that prostate artery embolization is the best course of action, you will schedule a date for the procedure. The procedure itself simply involves injecting tiny microspheres through a small puncture at the top of the leg. It will not require general anesthesia and recovery usually takes only a few days. During the recovery period, you may experience some mild irritation and/or blood in urine or semen. The successful PAE surgery will reduce the size of the prostate without interfering with sexual function or hormone levels.
Why Choose Prostate Specialists of Miami?
Prostate Specialists of Miami is a team of dedicated medical professionals with experience in treating many prostate problems. We understand that the prostate is a crucial part of your physical and sexual health, one that impacts your mental well-being. Dr. Gropper has training as an engineer and a medical doctor and a decade of experience as chief of radiology at several Miami area hospitals. He is enthusiastic about using new technologies to improve the lives of his patients. If you have BPH symptoms or any problems with your prostate, call (786) 500-5347 for a consultation today.
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Prostate Specialists of Miami
15400 Biscayne Boulevard #104
Aventura, FL 33160
786-500-5347
https://prostatespecialistmiami.com/
