Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) in London
Prostate artery embolisation, or PAE, is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment for an enlarged prostate. It works by reducing the prostate’s blood supply, causing the gland to shrink gradually and relieving pressure on the urethra.
The procedure is performed through a very small catheter, without surgery through the urethra itself. It may be an option for suitable men who would prefer to avoid conventional prostate surgery.
What is prostate artery embolisation?
Prostate artery embolisation, often shortened to PAE, is a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH or an enlarged prostate. It is carried out by an interventional radiologist, working in coordination with your urologist.
As the prostate enlarges, it can press on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This may lead to symptoms such as a weak flow, difficulty starting to pass urine, frequent toilet visits, waking at night or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
PAE works by reducing the blood supply to the prostate. A very small catheter is inserted into an artery, usually through the wrist or groin, then guided towards the blood vessels supplying the prostate using X-ray imaging. Tiny particles are released to block selected vessels, causing the prostate to shrink gradually over time.
As the treatment does not involve operating through the urethra, it may appeal to men who wish to avoid conventional surgery or whose general health or prostate size makes another procedure less suitable.
Your consultant will discuss whether PAE is appropriate for you and coordinate care with the interventional radiology team.
How it works
PAE aims to improve urinary symptoms by reducing blood flow to the enlarged prostate.
A very small catheter
A fine catheter is guided through an artery in the wrist or groin towards the blood vessels that supply the prostate.
Blood supply reduced
Tiny particles are released into selected blood vessels, reducing the blood supply to the enlarged prostate.
The prostate shrinks gradually
As the prostate becomes smaller over time, pressure on the urethra may reduce and urinary symptoms may improve.
Who prostate artery embolisation may suit
PAE may be considered for men who:
- Have troublesome urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate
- Would prefer to avoid conventional prostate surgery
- May not be suited to surgery because of their general health or prostate size
- Want to discuss a treatment that does not involve surgery through the urethra
- Have been assessed as suitable by a consultant urologist and interventional radiologist
What to expect
- Assessment
Your consultant will assess your symptoms, prostate size, general health and any previous treatment. The urology and interventional radiology teams will then consider whether PAE is appropriate. - The procedure
A small catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin. Using X-ray guidance, the interventional radiologist reaches the blood vessels supplying the prostate and treats the selected vessels. - Recovery
Symptom improvement usually develops gradually over the following weeks as the prostate shrinks. Your clinical team will explain what to expect after treatment and arrange appropriate follow-up.
Why choose The Forbury Clinic for prostate artery embolisation in London?
No surgery through the urethra
PAE treats the blood supply to the prostate rather than passing instruments through the urinary channel.
Minimally invasive approach
The procedure is carried out through a very small catheter inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin.
An option when conventional surgery is not ideal
PAE may be worth discussing for men whose health, prostate size or personal preferences make another treatment less suitable.
Coordinated consultant-led care
Your urologist and interventional radiology team work together to assess whether PAE is the right option and guide your care.
Frequently asked questions
Who performs prostate artery embolisation?
PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist, working alongside your consultant urologist. An interventional radiologist is a doctor who uses imaging to guide minimally invasive procedures.
How soon will I notice an improvement?
Symptoms usually improve gradually over the weeks following treatment as the prostate shrinks. The timing and degree of improvement vary between individuals.
Is PAE suitable if I am not fit for surgery?
PAE may be considered for some men whose health makes conventional surgery less suitable. A full assessment is needed to establish whether it is appropriate for you.
Does PAE involve a catheter in the bladder?
The procedure itself uses a small catheter placed in an artery, not in the urethra or bladder. Your team will explain whether any bladder catheter is needed in your individual circumstances.
Are there risks specific to PAE?
As with any procedure, PAE has potential risks. Because it involves treating blood vessels, there are specific considerations that your consultant and interventional radiology team will explain before you decide whether to proceed.
Will PAE shrink my prostate enough to help?
PAE aims to shrink the prostate and reduce pressure on the urethra. The amount of improvement varies between individuals. Your consultant will discuss what may be realistic for you and how PAE compares with other suitable treatments.
Ask about prostate artery embolisation
If urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate are affecting your daily life, our consultants can assess whether PAE or another treatment may be appropriate.
- AppointmentBook a consultation
- Reception0118 920 7055
- Location
The Forbury Clinic London, 45 Queen Anne St, London, W1G 9J
