IRCC Pakistan offers men prostate artery embolization (PAE) for severe lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). PAE is a minimally invasive procedure alternative to surgery. The PAE procedure is for candidates who are either ineligible or not interested in traditional surgery. An exam with an interventional radiologist can determine if you are a candidate for PAE. At this appointment, you may be asked how often you have urinary symptoms of BPH, how severe they are, and how much they affect your quality of life.
Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment that helps improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and is the most common benign tumor found in men.
The PAE procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist (IR), a doctor who uses fluoroscopy and other advanced imaging to see inside the body and treat conditions without surgery.
Similar embolization techniques are used at IRCC Pakistan for other conditions including Uterine Fibroid Embolization and Varicocele Embolization demonstrating the proven effectiveness of embolization across multiple organ systems.
As the prostate gets bigger, it may constrict or partly block the urethra, causing lower urinary tract symptoms such as:
For many patients, these symptoms significantly interfere with daily quality of life. Men experiencing vascular or circulatory issues alongside BPH may also benefit from learning about Peripheral Vascular Disease treatment options available at IRCC Pakistan.
Candidates for the procedure typically meet the following:
Are between the age of 50 and 85
Have tried but not responded to six months of medication therapy or have significant side effects from medication such as dizziness, fatigue or sexual dysfunction
Have lower urinary tract symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination or urinary retention requiring catheterization, caused by an enlarged prostate
Have been screened for prostate cancer risk, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
An exam with an interventional radiologist can determine if you are a candidate for PAE. At this appointment, you may be asked how often you experience urinary symptoms, how severe they are, and how much they affect your quality of life. For patients with prostate cancer concerns, our Interventional Oncology team provides comprehensive minimally invasive cancer care.
The PAE procedure is for candidates who are either ineligible or not interested in traditional surgery. An exam with an interventional radiologist can determine if you are a candidate for PAE. At this appointment, you may be asked how often you have urinary symptoms of BPH, how severe they are, and how much they affect your quality of life.
Some potential advantages of PAE include:
IRCC Pakistan offers a full range of minimally invasive interventional procedures. Explore related treatments such as Hemorrhoidal Artery Embolization and Vascular Malformation Treatment for comprehensive vascular care.
I was facing severe fibroid symptoms that were affecting my daily life. After undergoing Uterine Fibroid Embolization, my condition improved remarkably without surgery. The procedure was comfortable, and recovery was very quick. I truly appreciate the care and professionalism of the medical team.
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I had been dealing with discomfort due to varicocele for a long time. The embolization procedure was simple and minimally invasive, and I experienced relief within a short period. The doctors explained everything clearly and made the entire process stress-free. Highly satisfied with the results.
I was worried about thyroid treatment options until I learned about Radiofrequency Ablation. The procedure was safe, painless, and required no surgery. My symptoms improved significantly, and recovery was smooth. I highly recommend this treatment and the medical team.
My leg pain and visible veins were getting worse, but Varicose Vein Ablation completely changed my condition. The treatment was quick, and I was able to walk normally the same day. Excellent experience and very professional medical care.
PAE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure in which an interventional radiologist blocks the blood supply to the prostate gland using tiny microsphere particles. This causes the prostate to shrink, relieving urinary symptoms caused by BPH (enlarged prostate). No surgery, no general anesthesia, and no overnight hospital stay is required.
No. The procedure is performed under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Some mild pelvic discomfort or urinary symptoms may occur for a few days after, which resolves on its own.
The procedure typically takes 1–3 hours depending on the anatomy. Patients are usually discharged within 3 hours after the procedure is complete the same day.
Most patients begin noticing improvement in urinary symptoms within 2–4 weeks after the procedure. Maximum improvement is typically seen at 3–6 months post-procedure as the prostate continues to shrink.
Unlike surgical alternatives such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate), PAE does not cause retrograde ejaculation or sexual dysfunction. Preserving sexual function is one of the key advantages of PAE over surgery making it a preferred choice for many men.
Thyroid surgery requires general anesthesia, a surgical incision in the neck, hospital stay, and carries risks such as permanent voice changes or damage to parathyroid glands. Thyroid RFA requires none of these it is scarless, performed under local anesthesia, and patients go home within 30 minutes.
Clinical studies show that PAE results in significant improvement in urinary symptoms in approximately 80–90% of patients. It also leads to meaningful reduction in prostate volume over time.
TURP is a surgical procedure that requires general or spinal anesthesia, hospital admission, and carries risks of bleeding, infection, and sexual dysfunction. PAE requires none of these; it is performed under conscious sedation, requires only a tiny nick in the skin, and patients go home the same day with minimal recovery time.
No. PAE is specifically for BPH a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. If prostate cancer is suspected or confirmed, a different treatment pathway is required. All candidates are screened with a PSA test before PAE. For cancer-related concerns, our Interventional Oncology team can help.
Insurance coverage varies depending on your provider and plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to confirm coverage. Our IRCC team can also assist with documentation required for insurance claims.
Yes. IRCC Pakistan offers PAE performed by expert interventional radiologists. Book an appointment today to determine if PAE is the right treatment option for you.
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