Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Prostate hypertrophy refers to an increase in the volume of the prostate, which causes discomfort when the bladder fills or empties (frequent urination, urgency, nocturia).

Prostate embolisation is a ‘minimally invasive’ procedure that involves blocking the blood vessels supplying the prostate in order to reduce its size whilst avoiding the complications associated with surgery.

To prevent retrograde ejaculation (the discharge of semen into the bladder rather than the urethra), which occurs in 80% of cases following surgery, compared with 2% following embolisation.
To maintain a satisfactory sex life after the procedure.
Avoid the side effects of medication prescribed for prostate adenoma, such as erectile dysfunction or orthostatic hypotension.
Avoid the need for a urinary catheter, unlike with surgery.
A quicker recovery as the procedure is considered ‘minimally invasive’.
Postpone the need for surgery.

The treatment is not necessarily definitive; the recurrence rate is as high as 30% at 5 years, although a repeat procedure may be considered.
Post-embolisation syndrome, although temporary, occurs within 2–3 days after embolisation; it is completely reversible and is characterised by fever, as well as pelvic and urinary pain.

You will be admitted to the day hospital and then return home on the day of the procedure or the following day.
Symptoms begin to ease after 15 days.