Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging, such as X-rays or ultrasound, to guide procedures. For men experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, an interventional radiology procedure called prostate artery embolization offers a minimally invasive approach. This procedure targets the blood supply to the prostate gland without the need for open surgery. Here is more information about the method:
Accessing Arteries
The prostate artery embolization procedure begins by accessing the body’s arterial system. A physician typically makes a tiny puncture, usually in the upper thigh or wrist, to insert a catheter into an artery. This catheter is a thin, flexible tube.
Using real-time X-ray imaging for guidance, the physician can navigate the catheter through the network of arteries. The destination for the catheter’s tip is the set of vessels that supply blood to the prostate gland. Locating these specific prostate arteries requires precision.
Once the catheter is properly positioned, tiny particles are carefully released into the prostate arteries. These particles block the blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, causing them to shrink over time. This minimally invasive procedure is precise, promoting minimal impact on surrounding tissues while effectively addressing the symptoms.
Blocking Artery Route
Once the catheter is correctly positioned in the artery feeding the prostate, the next step involves blocking the blood flow. The physician may inject microscopic, spherical particles through the catheter into the vessel. These particles are just large enough to lodge in the small arteries and block them.
This process, known as embolization, is performed on both the left and right prostate arteries. Depriving the prostate tissue of its oxygen-rich blood supply initiates changes within the gland. The procedure is designed to affect only the targeted arteries, leaving surrounding tissues and larger vessels unaffected.
Shrinking Prostate
Without a steady blood supply, the cells in the prostate gland begin to weaken and shrink over time. The reduction in blood flow leads to a gradual decrease in the overall size of the prostate. This process unfolds over several weeks and months following the embolization procedure. As the gland shrinks, the pressure it exerts on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder, lessens.
Reducing Symptoms
The primary goal of this interventional radiology procedure is to alleviate the urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. As the prostate shrinks and no longer compresses the urethra, men may experience relief from common issues. These symptoms include:
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- The feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
The improvement in these symptoms usually develops progressively as the prostate reduces in size. Many individuals report a noticeable change in their urinary function, which contributes to a better quality of life. The extent of symptom relief varies from person to person.
Schedule Interventional Radiology
If you are dealing with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you may have options beyond traditional surgery. Understanding the procedures available helps you make an informed decision about your health. To learn if prostate artery embolization is a suitable option for you, speak with a specialist. Contact a clinic today to schedule a consultation with an interventional radiologist.
- The Growing Demand for Allergy Specialists in Texas
- How Interventional Radiology Provides a Non-invasive Option for Prostate Enlargement
- How Family Practice Providers Help with Weight Management for All Ages
- What Happens After a Vasectomy and How to Care for Yourself
- How Bunions Impact Your Footwear Choices and What to Look For
