PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION MELBOURNE

What is the prostate gland? – The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body. It forms part of the male reproductive system and produces fluid found in semen.

An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), becomes more common with age. It may narrow the urethra, causing frequent or urgent urination, a weak stream, straining, dribbling, incomplete emptying and waking at night to urinate.

These symptoms can affect sleep, daily activities and quality of life. BPH is not prostate cancer, but urinary symptoms should be medically assessed.

Source: Mayo Clinic – Prostate Gland

WHAT IS A PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION (PAE)?

A Prostate Artery Embolisation is a minimally invasive treatment for urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate.

Using X-ray guidance, an interventional radiologist guides a thin catheter through an artery in the wrist or groin to the arteries supplying the prostate. Tiny particles are delivered to reduce blood flow to selected areas of the prostate, causing it to gradually shrink and reduce pressure on the urethra.

PAE may be considered when medications have not provided sufficient relief, have caused side effects or when a patient wishes to explore an alternative to prostate surgery. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic with sedation.

Source: John Hopkins Medicine – Prostate Artery Embolisation

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PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION – Procedure summary:

Used for: Urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement
Treatment goal: Reduce prostate size and improve urinary symptoms
Procedure type: Minimally invasive, image-guided treatment
Access point: An artery in the wrist or groin
Anaesthetic: Local anaesthetic, usually with sedation
Procedure time: Approximately 1–2 hours, depending on individual anatomy
Hospital stay: Day procedure or overnight observation

Recovery: Light activity is gradually resumed under medical advice
Results: Improvement usually develops as the prostate shrinks over several weeks or months
Sexual function: PAE may carry a lower risk of some sexual side effects than certain surgical treatments, but sexual and ejaculatory changes can still occur
Assessment: Prostate, bladder and urinary symptoms must be assessed before treatment
Performed by: Specialist interventional radiologist

Please note: PAE results vary amongst patients. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and risks with you during your consultation.

WHO MAY BE SUITABLE FOR PAE?

A PAE may be suitable for you if you have:

An enlarged prostate gland
Moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by BPH
Insufficient improvement or unwanted side effects from medication
Urinary symptoms affecting quality of life – These may include frequent or urgent urination, waking at night, a weak stream, straining, dribbling or incomplete bladder emptying.
Prefer to explore a minimally invasive alternative to prostate surgery.

Suitability depends on your symptoms, prostate size, artery anatomy, medical history and previous treatments. For suitable patients, PAE may offer a shorter recovery and lower risk of some urinary or sexual side effects than surgery. Dr Chan will assess your circumstances and discuss the benefits and risks.

WHERE DOES PAE FIT IN ENLARGED PROSTATE TREATMENT?

Your doctor will consider your symptoms, prostate size, general health, anatomy and treatment preferences when recommending the most appropriate option. The table below provides a simple overview of where PAE may fit within the available treatments:

Treatment stage	Options	When may it be considered
1. Lifestyle and monitoring	Fluid timing, reducing bladder irritants and monitoring symptoms	For mild symptoms that are not significantly affecting daily life.
2. Medication	Medicine that relax the prostate or reduce its size	When symptoms require treatment but a procedure is not yet needed.
3. PAE	Image-guided treatment that reduces blood flow to selected areas of the prostate	When medication has not provided sufficient relief, caused side effects or a minimally invasive treatment is preferred.
4. Urological procedures/surgery	TURP, laser treatment and other prostate procedures	When symptoms are severe, complications develop or another treatment is more appropriate.

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION?

Assessment – Before treatment, Dr Chan will confirm that your symptoms are related to benign prostate enlargement and assess whether PAE is suitable. This may involve a prostate and bladder ultrasound, PSA and other blood tests, urine and urinary-flow tests, MRI or other prostate imaging, and CT angiography to map the arteries supplying the prostate. Further urological investigations may occasionally be required.

Preparation – Patients generally fast for six hours before the procedure. Some medications, including blood thinners, may need to be temporarily adjusted. The WIRES Radiology team and admitting hospital will provide individual fasting, medication and admission instructions.

What happens during Prostate Artery Embolisation – PAE is performed through a small 2–3 mm arterial puncture in the wrist or groin. After numbing the skin, an interventional radiologist uses X-ray guidance to direct a thin microcatheter into the arteries supplying the prostate.

Tiny particles are delivered to reduce blood flow to selected areas of the prostate. This causes the prostate to gradually shrink, reducing pressure on the urethra and potentially improving urine flow. The procedure usually takes one to two hours and is performed under local anaesthetic with sedation.

After the procedure – Afterwards, patients are monitored in hospital and should prepare for an overnight stay, although same-day discharge may be possible.

RECOVERY – WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE

Recovery – Following the embolisation, most patients stay overnight in hospital for observation and a trial of void (to test if the patient is able to urinate normally without a catheter).

Avoid driving for 24 hours and limit strenuous activities for at least a week.

Symptoms – Your symptoms will likely worsen before they improve. You will likely experience painful urination, urinary frequency and pelvic cramps, worst in the first 12-24 hours. You may also notice blood in your urine, semen or faeces for up to 14 days.

Up to 20% men may lose their ability to urinate after a PAE and require a temporary urinary catheter. If this is the case, you will be discharged home with a catheter and return after two weeks for a trial of void.

You may experience a phenomenon called post embolisation syndrome. This is caused by the body’s reaction to the operation. Patients often feel fatigued, have low grade fever, nausea, vomiting, low appetite, generalised muscle and joint aches – similar to having a cold without the head symptoms. These are easily managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen, and should resolve after 7-14 days.

Medical references:

Cornelis FH, Bilhim T, Hacking N, Sapoval M, Tapping CR, Carnevale FC. CIRSE Standards of Practice on Prostatic Artery Embolisation. Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology. 2020;43(2):176–185. View reference.

Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia. Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE). IRSA. Accessed 20 October 2026. View reference.

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ADVANTAGES OF PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION

A prostate artery embolisation may offer the following benefits to appropriate patients::

Minimally invasive – Performed through a small arterial puncture without an incision through the penis or removal of prostate tissue
Improved urinary symptoms – Studies have reported improvements in urinary symptoms, urine flow and quality of life
Shorter hospital stay – PAE is generally performed as a day procedure or with overnight observation
Lower risk of some sexual side effects – PAE may have less effect on ejaculation and erectile function than some surgical treatments, although changes can still occur
Low rate of serious complications in published studies
Offers a potentially shorter recovery time and fewer potential complications than traditional prostate surgeries.

Medical reference – Xu XJ, Li J, Huang XZ, et al. Efficacy and safety of prostate artery embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. European Radiology. 2021. View reference

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is PAE covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

Please ensure you check:

GP OR SPECIALIST REFERRAL: Yes – Required for Medicare rebates and private health insurance eligibility.

PRIVATE HEALTH FUND COVER: Generally a Silver level hospital cover is required to be covered by private health insurance (please confirm with your insurer).

If you don’t have adequate cover, self funded is an option – Please reach out to the team to discuss.

Patients without private health insurance are not eligible for treatment at the private hospital. Medicare rebates will still apply to consultations with a valid referral.

How successful is a Prostate Artery Embolisation?

A study published in 2017 of more than 1,000 men highlights the success rates of prostate artery embolisation over several years. The findings indicate that the treatment effectively reduces the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate and improves patients’ quality of life.

The results showed that Prostate Artery Embolisation had a success rate of over 90% in providing symptom relief and improving urinary flow for patients with an enlarged prostate. Additionally, the benefits were sustained over a long period, with patients experiencing continued symptom improvement for up to five years after the procedure.

Study from Interventional News – 8th March 2017 – Visit Interventional News.

Is a Prostate Artery Embolisation painful?

The Prostate Artery Embolisation procedure is generally well-tolerated. You may feel a slight pinch during local anaesthesia, but most of the procedure is painless. Discomfort afterward typically resolves within one to two weeks.

Your doctor can provide more details on what to expect during and after Prostate Artery Embolisation.

How long is the recovery time from a Prostate Artery Embolisation?

Most patients recover quickly after a Prostate Artery Embolisation, with many resuming normal activities within 1 -2 weeks. You should avoid strenuous activities for a 7-14 days and keep the dressing on the access site for two days.

Hospital stay – Some patients return home on the day of treatment, while others remain overnight for observation and a trial of void.

Temporary urinary symptoms – Burning when urinating, increased frequency, urgency or pelvic discomfort may occur during the first several days. Medication may be prescribed to help manage these symptoms.

Urinary catheter – Temporary swelling may make it difficult to urinate. A catheter may occasionally be required until the swelling settles.

Post-embolisation symptoms – Fatigue, mild fever, nausea, reduced appetite or general aches may occur as the body responds to treatment. These symptoms are usually temporary.

Activity – Arrange for someone to drive you home. Return to work, driving, exercise and sexual activity should be guided by your recovery and Dr Chan’s advice.

Results – Improvement is usually gradual as the prostate shrinks and may develop over several weeks or months.

Your doctor will be able to give you personalised recovery advice based on your specific situation.

What results can I expect from a Prostate Artery Embolisation?

Immediately after a Prostate Artery Embolisation, the tissues respond with inflammation resulting in temporary urinary track irritation, burning pain with urination, frequent urge to urinate with small volume discharges and sensation of incomplete bladder emptying after urination.

These symptoms improve gradually over the next 1-2 weeks as the inflammation subsides and the tissue heals. Medications will be prescribed to help relief these temporary symptoms as the prostate heal. As the prostate gland shrinks over the course of 1-2 months most patients see an improvement in urinary symptoms that can last for years.

Since PAE works different to traditional surgery, this procedure reduces the risks of urinary incontinence, impotence and retrograde ejaculation.

Regular follow-up appointments will help monitor your progress.

What are the risks of a Prostate Artery Embolisation?

Prostate Artery Embolisation carries some risks like all medical procedures, which may include but not limited to:

Bruising, bleeding or discomfort at the catheter insertion site
Temporary burning or discomfort when urinating
Increased urinary frequency or urgency
Pelvic discomfort
Blood in the urine or semen
Urinary tract infection
Temporary inability to urinate, requiring a catheter
Allergic reaction or kidney effects from contrast dye
Damage to a blood vessel
Embolisation particles reaching an unintended area
Sexual or ejaculatory changes
Symptoms not improving or returning over time.

Serious complications have been uncommon in published studies. Dr Chan will explain the potential benefits and risks relevant to your circumstances before treatment.

Are there any side effects from a Prostate Artery Embolisation?

Common side effects include mild pain, fever, and temporary discomfort. Serious complications are rare but can include issues with the arteries or surrounding organs.

Your doctor will fully explain the procedure and any potential side effects and mitigation strategies to make you as comfortable as possible during and after the procedure.

Will a Prostate Artery Embolisation affect my sexual function?

Prostate Artery Embolisation has minimal impact on sexual function, unlike some surgical treatments for an enlarged prostate. With a lower risk of sexual side effects, Prostate Artery Embolisation is a preferred option for many men if suitable for the procedure.

Your doctor will be able to explain your suitability for the procedure.

How long does a Prostate Artery Embolisation last?

Most studies indicate that Prostate Artery Embolisation results last approximately three to four years. However, it’s not unusual for symptom relief to last longer.

Source: UNC Health

MESSAGE FROM DR CHAN:

This information is designed to help you understand PAE and prepare for your procedure. As every patient is different, not all details may apply to you. I am happy to answer your questions during your consultation, or you can contact the WIRES Radiology team.

Dr Philip Chan – MBBS, MMed (Radiology), FRANZCR, EBIR-ES
Interventional Radiologist

If you have any questions about Prostate Artery Embolisation please contact WIRES Interventional Radiology.

Your doctor will be able to give you a better understanding of your unique medical situation:

VISIT CONTACT INFORMATION

Proud member of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists and
The Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia.

PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION FOR AN ENLARGED PROSTATE
WIRES INTERVENTIAL RADIOLOGY

Dr Philip Chan and the WIRES Interventional Radiology team provide consultations for Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) at three convenient Melbourne locations.

Epping – Northern Private Hospital, Northern Blood & Cancer Care, Suite 4, 12 Osburn Place, Epping VIC 3076. Convenient for patients from Epping, Lalor, Thomastown, Mill Park, Wollert, South Morang, Bundoora, Reservoir and Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Surrey Hills – Union Road Specialists Centre, 203 Union Road, Surrey Hills VIC 3127. Welcoming patients from Surrey Hills, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Burwood, Box Hill, Doncaster, Blackburn and Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Box Hill – Epworth Eastern, 1 Arnold Street, Box Hill VIC 3128. Conveniently located for patients from Box Hill, Balwyn, Doncaster, Kew, Hawthorn, Ringwood, Glen Waverley and surrounding areas.

PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLISATION MELBOURNE

ENLARGED PROSTATE TREATMENT

Learn about Prostate Artery Embolisation including the procedure, benefits, risks and more: