Prostate Artery Embolization

If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urinary problems as a result, help is within reach. In White Plains, New York, board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologist Tate Kirk, MD, offers prostate artery embolization to ease symptoms by shrinking the prostate gland without invasive surgery. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today.

What is prostate artery embolization?

Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces lower urinary tract symptoms caused by a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous (benign) enlarged prostate gland. BPH is the most common type of benign tumor in men.

Dr. Kirk performs prostate artery embolization by administering material to decrease blood flow to the prostate using live X-ray imaging guidance to ease BPH symptoms, which occur in about one in four men by age 55. 

Is prostate artery embolization right for me?

If you have an enlarged prostate gland and bothersome urinary symptoms, prostate artery embolization may be for you. Dr. Kirk might suggest this procedure if you struggle with:

• Waking up at night to urinate
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• High urinary frequency
• Urinary urgency
• Weak urinary stream
• Irritating voiding symptoms

These symptoms may happen as your prostate increases in size and partially blocks or constricts your urethra. Treatment is usually only necessary if your symptoms bother you.

To learn if you’re a candidate for prostate artery embolization, Dr. Kirk discusses your medical history, reviews your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. He may order urine testing, blood work, or imaging of your prostate gland. 

Prostatic artery embolization has a lower risk of urinary and sexual side effects than invasive surgeries. Prostatic artery embolization also does not require the use of a urethral (Foley) catheter in your penis during recovery afterwards, unlike many other more invasive treatments.

What can I expect during prostate artery embolization?

You will receive a sedative and local anesthesia before prostatic artery embolization to make you sleepy and avoid any discomfort. 

During the procedure, Dr. Kirk guides a thin hollow tube (catheter) into an artery in your groin or wrist. He uses live X-ray guidance to place the catheter in the vessels supplying blood to your prostate gland. 

Dr. Kirk injects a dye to make X-ray images stand out more, optimizing precision and accuracy. He then injects tiny microspheres through the catheter into targeted blood vessels. This outpatient procedure may take about two hours.

What happens after prostate artery embolization?

Prostate artery embolization causes an enlarged prostate gland to shrink, reducing problematic symptoms within just a few weeks. You can often go home the same day as the procedure. Follow your post-care instructions by resting for several days and taking any medications as directed.

Schedule an evaluation with Tate Kirk, MD, by phone or request one online today to learn if prostate artery embolization is right for you.