Prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is a minimally invasive treatment option for men with benign prostate enlargement, providing symptom relief without the need for traditional surgery.
Mr Rahim Kaba offers this innovative procedure which works by reducing the blood supply to the enlarged prostate, causing it to shrink gradually and alleviating urinary symptoms associated with the condition.
Prostate artery embolisation FAQs
When is prostate artery embolisation indicated?
As men age, the prostate can enlarge and press against the urethra, leading to bothersome urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, increased frequency of urination, and waking frequently at night to pass urine.
While medications and lifestyle measures can help, they may not always provide sufficient relief, and some men may wish to avoid or are unsuitable for surgical procedures. PAE offers an effective alternative for managing symptoms while preserving quality of life.
What is prostate artery embolisation?
Prostate artery embolisation is performed by an interventional radiologist in collaboration with Consultant Urologist Mr Kaba. The procedure involves accessing the arteries supplying blood to the prostate through a small puncture, typically in the groin or wrist.
Under X-ray guidance, tiny particles are injected into these arteries, blocking the blood flow to the prostate. This reduction in blood supply causes the prostate to shrink gradually over the following weeks and months, relieving the pressure on the urethra and improving urinary flow.
What does the procedure entail?
The procedure duration varies by individual, but on average it takes between 60-90 minutes and is usually performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. Most patients return home the same day or after an overnight stay. Recovery is typically quicker than with surgical treatments, allowing a prompt return to normal activities.
Who is suitable for PAE?
Prostate artery embolisation may be a suitable option for men with moderate to severe urinary symptoms who have not achieved sufficient relief with medications or wish to avoid surgery.
It may also be considered for men with larger prostates, or who have medical conditions that increase the risks associated with surgical treatments. A careful assessment with Mr Kaba, including a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history and prostate imaging, will determine whether PAE is appropriate for your individual case.
Mr Kaba will explain the potential risks and benefits in detail during your consultation, ensuring you feel informed before proceeding with treatment.
Benefits of prostate artery embolisation
Prostate artery embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require incisions into the prostate, reducing the risk of complications such as bleeding and infection associated with surgery.
As it avoids removing or cutting prostate tissue, it also has a lower risk of affecting sexual function compared to some surgical treatments, with many men maintaining normal ejaculation and erectile function following the procedure.
The gradual shrinkage of the prostate can lead to a significant improvement in urinary symptoms and quality of life, with studies showing high levels of patient satisfaction (as demonstrated in The UK-ROPE study).
Mr Rahim Kaba
Mr Rahim Kaba is a highly skilled Consultant Urological Surgeon practicing at Nuffield Heath Warwickshire Hospital in Leamington Spa. He also serves as an Honorary Clinical Lecturer at Warwick Medical School within the South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT).
Mr Kaba treats urinary infections, male urinary/prostatic symptoms, PSA/prostate cancer investigations, haematuria, female incontinence, impotence, penile, and testicular issues.
He specialises in lower urinary tract dysfunction, offering advanced minimally invasive treatments such as REZUM, Urolift, conventional bipolar TURP, and Aquablation for men with lower urinary tract dysfunction in the West Midlands. He played a pivotal role in launching the Aquablation in the West Midlands and conducted the inaugural case.
