Prostate artery embolisation (enlarged prostate)

With age, the prostate often enlarges (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and obstructs the flow of urine. Prostate artery embolisation partially blocks the small arteries of the prostate with fine particles: with less blood supply, the gland shrinks and softens, which improves urinary symptoms. The procedure is performed in the catheterisation laboratory under local anaesthesia, through a puncture in the groin or at the wrist. The prostate arteries are small and vary from one patient to another: a CT scan beforehand helps to locate them. No instrument is passed through the urethra. Embolisation is an alternative to endoscopic resection or other surgical techniques, decided together with the urologist. It is useful for large prostates, frail patients, or those who wish to limit the risk of ejaculation problems. Improvement is generally gradual and sometimes less marked than after surgery. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, the procedure is performed in a latest-generation catheterisation laboratory, in close collaboration with the urology team.