In our last article, we took a look at a non-invasive outpatient procedure to treat an enlarged prostate called Prostate Artery Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Today let’s take a look at what some of the research says about the efficacy of this procedure.
A recent study published in the medical journal Interventional Radiology looked at 1,000 men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization between 2006 and 2017. The particpants of the study were followed up with for several years after the procedure, where they were evaluated for enlarged prostate symptoms. Specifically, the researchers measured the size of the prostate and evaluated the partipants regarding erectile dysfunction, and urinary issues.
Given that one of the primary symptoms of an enlarged prostate is its impact on urination, the study involved measuring not only the amount of urine retained in the bladder after urination, but researchers also measured the urinary flow rate.
Lastly, each participant’s prostate-specific antigen levels ( PSA) were checked, which is a test that is used to screen for prostate cancer.
Now the big question- What did they find?
The data from these measurements found that at the short-term mark, the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment had a cumulative success rate (measuring all of the variables listed above), of over 90%.
The cumulative success rate of the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment was then measured at the 3-year mark, at which point the researchers found there was an 82% success rate, and again every year after that, resulting in a cumulateive long term success rate of 79%.
The study also discovered that, unlike medication and surgeries which can have unwanted sexual side effects, men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization did not report any adverse effects on their sexual function.
This is just one of the research studies conducted on the effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on men experiencing adverse symptoms from an enlarged prostate. However, there are many more out there, and they all tell us one thing: Prostate Artery Embolization is an excellent option for men with BPH, because it works.
Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer Prostate Artery Embolization and would love to schedule a consultation to see if this procedure can benefit you. That being said, PAE is one of many treatment options that are available for an enlarged prostate, so it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine which treatment is best for your particular case.
In our next article, we will take a look at some of the other treatment options available, starting with medications that are used to treat an enlarged prostate. We will look at the pros and cons of each treatment, to help you to be as informed as possible when making these important decisions for your health.
