How Successful Is Prostate Artery Embolization?

Annoying symptoms like dribbling when you pee, weak urine streams, inability to empty your bladder, and frequent middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom are classic signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

The key word is “benign,” meaning it’s not cancerous. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. 

Your urethra — the tube that carries urine out of your body — travels through the center of your prostate, so if it’s enlarged, you end up with annoying symptoms at best and kidney damage at worst.

Fortunately, our team of experts has a solution at Minimally Invasive Medical Group in Lake Forest, Irvine, and Mission Viejo, California.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is an excellent alternative to surgical treatment for men struggling with BPH-related symptoms, such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating. With PAE, you can avoid hospitalization, general anesthesia, and the risks associated with surgery. 

But how effective is PAE? We provide the answer below.

Prostate artery embolization basics

PAE uses advanced imaging to guide a tiny catheter into the arteries supplying blood to your prostate. We release embolic material into these arteries, limiting blood flow to the prostate and causing it to shrink over time. 

While PAE isn’t for everyone, especially men with very severe cases, it’s an excellent solution for many.

Proven clinical results of PAE

Although minimally invasive procedures are always preferable to open surgery, no treatment is desirable if it doesn’t have a good track record of success. 

Researchers have extensively studied PAE’s clinical success rate, with over 1,000 patients analyzed in recent research. According to their findings, the overall success rate of PAE is 98.1%. Here’s the breakdown over time:

• 85.1% success at 12 months 
• 81.9% success between 1-3 years 
• 76.3% success between 3-6.5 years 

These numbers show that while some people may require additional medical treatment or intervention over time, PAE has a proven record of improving symptoms and changing lives.

Reduced PSA levels and prostate volume 

Studies show that PAE also reduces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by an average of 24%. Elevated PSA levels often correlate with larger prostate size and more severe symptoms, so reducing PSA levels is a welcome outcome.

The same study found that PAE can reduce your prostate volume by 20%–30%. With a smaller prostate, you have less obstruction in your urinary flow, alleviating your symptoms.

Low reintervention rates

As with any medical procedure, you might need some follow-ups or additional treatments. However, the chance of further intervention is low. Current research indicates:

A 20% reintervention rate within the first five years. 

Beyond five years, the reintervention rate increases to 30%–60%, depending on individual factors, such as prostate size and overall health.

While these rates show that long-term outcomes may vary, they also suggest that many people enjoy several years of improved quality of life before needing further care.

Better quality of life

After PAE, you can expect to get more out of life without the hassles of urination problems. Many guys experience better sleep, reduced urination urgency, and more control over their daily schedule. With fewer disruptions caused by BPH symptoms, you can focus on work, family, and hobbies without constant concern about bathroom availability.

Less need for medications

Thanks to PAE, many men can ditch (or at least reduce) their daily BPH medications, which often have side effects like dizziness, fatigue, or sexual dysfunction. 

If you’re considering PAE and want more details about what it can do for your symptoms, call Minimally Invasive Medical Group or book an appointment online.