Prostate Enlargement can be Easily Tackled With Prostatic Artery Embolization

With rising cases of prostate enlargement, surgeons have suggested the problem can be tackled in easily if the patient undergoes Prostatic Artery Embolization.

80% of men will develop benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in India in the coming years and more than 40% of men who develop an enlarged prostate will need surgery to correct symptoms from enlarged prostate, suggest recent medical surveys.

With rising cases of prostate enlargement among elderly men, surgeons have suggested the problem can be tackled in a much easier way if the patient undergoes Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE), as it ensures fast recovery.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment FAQs
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or Benign Enlargement of Prostate (BEP) is an increase in the size of the prostate. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system.

‘With rising cases of prostate enlargement among elderly men, surgeons have suggested the problem can be tackled in a much easier way if the patient undergoes Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE), as it ensures fast recovery.’

According to experts, the procedure helps improve urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), without the risk of sexual side effects, which is the biggest advantage.

"The Embolization, unlike open surgeries, is performed through a small puncture in the groin. A catheter is inserted through the artery and directed toward the prostate. Once the catheter is positioned in the artery supplying blood to the prostate, tiny particles are injected that plug up the artery, blocking blood flow," said Pradeep Mulley, Head Interventional Radiologist, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj.

Muley explained, "The process is then repeated on the other side, most commonly through the same original puncture. The procedure can take anywhere from 1-4 hours, depending on the location and size of the prostatic arteries. The procedure blocks the blood flow to the areas of the prostate that are most affected by BPH, resulting in death, or necrosis, of isolated areas and make the prostate softer."

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Once the embolization of both prostatic arteries is finished, the catheter is removed and the patient can start walking in next 6-8 hours, unlike other surgeries which take weeks for the recovery of the patient.

Vishal Malhotra, a general surgeon at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said the situation is such that one in four men in the age group of 50-55 has some signs and symptoms of BPF.

Interventional Radiology Offers New Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have a new, breakthrough treatment option that is less invasive and has fewer complications than other minimally invasive treatments, such as transurethral resection of the prostate and surgical options.

Suggesting some natural measures against prostate enlargement, Malhotra said, "Pumpkin seeds can prevent prostate enlargement. The seeds have unsaturated fatty seeds. The powdered seeds can be added to the food or milk. It can even be taken with honey."

Among other natural ways, he said prostate infection can be reduced by taking garlic and goldenseal. Some fruits such as juniper berries prevent swelling in the prostate glands. "Tomatoes are also helpful in curing prostate diseases. It contains antioxidants, which can prevent prostate enlargement," said Malhotra.

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists like alfuzosin, doxazosin and tamsulosin and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Source-IANS