Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy, is an enlargement of the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. During ejaculation, the prostate secretes fluid into the urethra, the narrow tube that runs through the center of the prostate. When a man urinates, the bladder squeezes urine out through the urethra.  As a man ages, the prostate can become enlarged. Because it surrounds the urethra right at the bladder exit, the prostate may squeeze or pinch the urethra as it gets larger over time. This may cause difficulty with urination such as a slow stream, the need to strain, increased frequency, urgency to urinate, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and intermittent flow or dribbling.

An interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into the artery in the groin and maneuvers it to the arteries that only supply the prostate. Then, tiny particles are injected to slow or stop blood flow to the prostate, which can cause it to shrink or soften. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax and remain still during the procedure.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 am) the night before your procedure.  You may take medications with a sip of water in the morning. Bring a list of all prescribed medications with you to the procedure. You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure.

After the procedure, the patient is monitored for several hours to ensure there are no complications such as bleeding and then discharged home.  Patients may experience post embolic syndrome where symptoms (such as pelvic pain) are worsened for 24-48 hours.  Patients will be prescribed medications to help alleviate these symptoms. Patients typically see an improvement of urinary symptoms over several weeks to months.

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