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Prostate artery embolisation
- Minimally invasive approach
- Consultant-led surgery personalised to your needs
- A day-case procedure with fast recovery
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PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
Our experienced team of highly trained interventional radiologists has successfully completed over 300 prostate artery embolisations (PAEs), achieving excellent outcomes for HCA UK patients like you. Having a PAE means no large incisions and a lower risk that your sexual and urinary functions will be impacted than with some other prostate procedures. PAE is suitable for men with large prostates, as well as for anyone with a pre-existing medical condition which may make standard surgery high risk. With a fast outpatient pathway, you can be treated and back home the same day.
Your prostate is a walnut-sized gland near the neck of your bladder. An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) isn't normally cancerous but it can put pressure on your urethra, making it difficult to pee.
Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure that treats BPH by blocking off the arteries that feed it, which shrinks your prostate.
80% of men see improvements to their symptoms at 3 to 12 months, that’s according to all published PAE trails to date. And for 78% of men, these good effects are very often sustained at their medium- and long-term follow-up appointments making it a highly effective solution.
Since NICE approved PAE for routine use in April 2018, HCA UK’s outstanding team has performed more than 300 procedures, achieving excellent results for our patients. We’re ready to help you too.
Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure that treats BPH by blocking off the arteries that feed it, which shrinks your prostate.
80% of men see improvements to their symptoms at 3 to 12 months, that’s according to all published PAE trails to date. And for 78% of men, these good effects are very often sustained at their medium- and long-term follow-up appointments making it a highly effective solution.
Since NICE approved PAE for routine use in April 2018, HCA UK’s outstanding team has performed more than 300 procedures, achieving excellent results for our patients. We’re ready to help you too.
Your procedure will be performed by a highly trained interventional radiologist, experienced in advanced embolisation techniques, under local anaesthetic.
They'll typically make a single puncture in your groin or, occasionally, in your wrist. They’ll then insert thin, hollow tubes, known as catheters, into both your right and left prostate arteries under direct X-ray guidance, and close these prostatic arteries using either embolic particles, or glue.
Your PAE will take approximately two hours to perform. You can expect to be discharged after four hours provided you’re fit and able to leave, although you’re also welcome to stay overnight if that’s more convenient. We recommend that you don’t fly long haul for ten days, or short haul for five.
They'll typically make a single puncture in your groin or, occasionally, in your wrist. They’ll then insert thin, hollow tubes, known as catheters, into both your right and left prostate arteries under direct X-ray guidance, and close these prostatic arteries using either embolic particles, or glue.
Your PAE will take approximately two hours to perform. You can expect to be discharged after four hours provided you’re fit and able to leave, although you’re also welcome to stay overnight if that’s more convenient. We recommend that you don’t fly long haul for ten days, or short haul for five.
PAE is a low-risk procedure and one of its great benefits is that is has fewer side effects than traditional surgery. However potential side effects can include post-embolisation syndrome with symptoms such as fever, nausea and pelvic pain, bleeding or bruising at the puncture site, temporary blood in your urine or stool and acute urinary retention.
Thankfully, serious complications such as particles blocking other vessels or developing an infection are extremely rare.
Thankfully, serious complications such as particles blocking other vessels or developing an infection are extremely rare.
35,000+
outpatient urology visits across HCA UK in 2024
11,000+
urology specific ultrasounds carried out in 2024
100+
urology consultants to choose from for your care
Next-day appointments
See a leading urologist and get on the path to an expert diagnosis within 24 hours
State-of-the-art diagnostics
With results in as little as 48 hours
Wide-reaching expertise across the UK
Choose from 9 hospitals and 4 diagnostic centres in London, Birmingham and Manchester
What to expect
Understanding your prostate artery embolisation journey
Our specialist interventional radiologists are highly experienced in carrying our advanced embolisation techniques and they’ll offer you compassionate and discrete prostate care. That includes getting a fast, accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
From your first consultation through to recovering at home, your comfort and long-term wellbeing are our first priorities. This outline gives you an idea of what to expect, but your treatment journey will be unique to you.
From your first consultation through to recovering at home, your comfort and long-term wellbeing are our first priorities. This outline gives you an idea of what to expect, but your treatment journey will be unique to you.
01
Initial consultation and imaging
You can book in to see one of our specialists. They’ll ask about your medical history, your lifestyle and your general health and conduct a range of assessments to gauge the size and suitability of your prostate for PAE. Your specialist may also order imaging tests such as a CT scan, ultrasound or an MRI scan and you should get the results within 48 hours.
02
Pre-procedure preparation
You’ll have a brief anaesthesia consultation and detailed vascular mapping to help your specialist prepare for the procedure.
03
Your procedure
Your minimally invasive PAE will take 1-2 hours, and it’ll be conducted under local anaesthetic, via your groin or wrist. You’ll be given advice on how to prepare, and we’ll be here for you through your surgery, into recovery and beyond.
04
Your recovery
You’ll be monitored for about 4 hours. Once your post-op aftercare team is happy that you’re stable and well, you’ll be able to go home that same day, although you are also welcome to stay overnight.
05
Short-term care
It’s normal to feel tired after your procedure and you’ll need plenty of rest. Any mild to moderate pain you experience can be treated with simple paracetamol and you’ll also be given a course of antibiotics to prevent an infection developing. It’s a good idea to restrict your activity for about a week, to speed your recovery.
Locations
Where can you get a PAE procedure?
This specialist procedure can be carried out by our skilled interventional radiologists at our outpatient centres and hospitals across London and Birmingham, where you’ll also receive exceptional aftercare.
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Prostate artery embolisation FAQ
If you have moderate to severe symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) but are looking for a less invasive treatment to open surgery or medication, a minimally invasive PAE is ideal. It’s a safe and smart way forward if you have a medical condition that makes traditional surgery riskier for you.
You need to have good kidney function, not be allergic to contrast dye, and be free of any active infection. Our specialist interventional radiologists can conduct any diagnostic assessments and screening you may need, including imaging tests such as a private ultrasound or CT scan. They may also carry out a specialist multiparametric MRI of your prostate and a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to rule out cancer.
You need to have good kidney function, not be allergic to contrast dye, and be free of any active infection. Our specialist interventional radiologists can conduct any diagnostic assessments and screening you may need, including imaging tests such as a private ultrasound or CT scan. They may also carry out a specialist multiparametric MRI of your prostate and a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test to rule out cancer.
You’ll probably experience some mild to moderate pain following the procedure and this can be simply managed with paracetamol. Complications are rare and mostly involve minor bruising of the groin.
Your interventional radiology consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, they usually recommend that you rest for few days to a week at home. You’ll be able to get back to most normal activities within 48 hours, although strenuous activities and driving should be avoided for that period.
You'll most likely be called back for a post-op appointment with your consultant to see how things are healing and discuss the effectiveness of your embolisation.
Your interventional radiology consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, they usually recommend that you rest for few days to a week at home. You’ll be able to get back to most normal activities within 48 hours, although strenuous activities and driving should be avoided for that period.
You'll most likely be called back for a post-op appointment with your consultant to see how things are healing and discuss the effectiveness of your embolisation.
80% of men see improvements to their symptoms at 3 to 12 months in all published PAE trails to date. And for 78% of men, these good effects are very often sustained at medium- and long-term follow-up appointments.
Relief from PAE can last for several years. Many patients experience good, sustained relief from urinary symptoms for 5 years and some for up to 10 years. Factors such as your prostate size and your overall health and lifestyle will all effect how long it may take for your symptoms to return.
Relief from PAE can last for several years. Many patients experience good, sustained relief from urinary symptoms for 5 years and some for up to 10 years. Factors such as your prostate size and your overall health and lifestyle will all effect how long it may take for your symptoms to return.
If your symptoms return, you can opt to have another PAE procedure down the line. You may also choose a more invasive technique such as a TURP. Either way forward is potentially fine, although your consultant urologist will want to conduct a thorough physical examination before agreeing to go ahead with any further surgical treatment.
“A wonderful doctor and a wizard at knee and prostate embolisation....He was able to correct an unexpected finding on the operating table with aplomb! Five stars all round!”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.