Urinary obstruction is a common health concern among the elderly population, particularly in men. This is often caused by the progressive enlargement of the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra as it exits the bladder. As the gland grows with age, it can eventually obstruct the natural flow of urine.
From Surgery to Advanced Alternatives
Traditionally, the treatment path for an enlarged prostate followed a specific order:
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Medication: Doctors would first attempt to manage the condition with medicine.
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Surgery: If medication failed, surgical intervention was the primary remaining option.
Today, however, a modern non-surgical alternative called Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) is available.
How Prostatic Artery Embolization Works
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids the need for traditional open surgery:
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Day-Care Procedure: It is typically performed on a day-care admission basis.
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Pinhole Access: A small needle is inserted into a blood vessel in the leg after the area is numbed (local anesthesia).
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Targeted Treatment: Specialized particles are injected directly into the blood vessels supplying the prostate.
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Shrinkage: These particles cause the prostate gland to gradually shrink over time, relieving the obstruction.
A Collaborative Approach to Care
PAE is a highly effective alternative for most patients and is performed through a multidisciplinary team effort involving urologists, interventional radiologists, and radiologists. This advanced, non-surgical treatment facility is now available at specialized centers like KMC Hospital.
