University of Miami scientists found that a minimally invasive procedure that partially blocks blood flow to the prostate gland can significantly improve urination in men with an enlarged prostate. The study will be presented at a meeting of the Society for Interventional Radiology in Phoenix.
Doctors evaluated the outcome of a procedure called prostate artery embolization in thousands of men. Data analysis, procedure
significantly improved urinary symptoms in patients without any effect on erectile function.
In addition, prostate size was on average 32% smaller than baseline 12 months after the procedure. In addition, the prostate-specific antigen level was reduced by 42%, indicating an overall improvement in organ function.
Medications and surgery are used to treat an enlarged prostate, but these can have side effects, including erectile dysfunction. As a result, many men with enlarged prostates avoid treatment and simply endure the discomfort.
In embolization of prostate vessels, doctors inject small microparticles into the arteries that feed the prostate. This reduces blood flow to the gland. The particles are made of acrylic polymer and are about the size of a grain of sand. They only accumulate in the arteries of the prostate and do not affect the general circulatory system of the body.