Prostate Center Paris

Prostate artery embolization : preserve your sexuality

Based in Paris, the prostate center stands out as one of the largest in Europe in terms of the number of patients treated by this innovative technique. It brings together several interventional radiologists specializing in prostate embolization, a non-surgical alternative for treating swollen prostate problems. This minimally invasive procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, enabling rapid recovery and immediate resumption of activities.

The pioneering role of the prostate center

The Prostate Center has positioned itself as a pioneer in recognizing the importance of medical innovation. It adopted the use of smaller microspheres long before this practice became widely accepted, basing this decision on extensive research and clinical experience demonstrating the benefits of this approach. Our studies show a clear reduction in recurrences with this method. What's more, bladder catheterization is no longer necessary with EAP.

Prostate embolization: a natural technique that preserves sexuality

Prostatic artery embolization (EAP) or prostate artery embolization is a medical procedure used to treat swollen prostates, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This technique is less invasive than traditional prostate adenoma surgery, and aims to reduce the urinary symptoms associated with this condition.

Procedure

First, the patient is positioned on a vascular table, enabling visualisation of all the arteries in the human body. The interventional radiologist applies a local anaesthetic to the groin, or wrist (in rare cases). Thanks to the unique experience acquired at our center, it is no longer necessary to insert a urinary catheter during the procedure.

An interventional radiologist then inserts a catheter into the patient's femoral artery (in the thigh) or radial artery (in the wrist). Guiding the catheter through the blood vessels to the prostate artery, the doctor then injects small particles (called microspheres) into the arteries supplying the prostate to reduce blood flow to the organ. This has the effect of reducing the blood supply to the prostate, leading to shrinkage of the prostate gland and an improvement in urinary symptoms.

With less blood supply, the prostate shrinks in size, making it easier for urine to pass through.

Comparison with surgery

Unlike surgical treatment, however, there are no sexual or urinary complications, and no retrograde ejaculation. Embolization has no adverse effect on erection. This minimally invasive technique is performed under local anaesthetic, incision- and scar-freeProstate embolization is also characterized by a much shorter recovery time and rapid return to daily activities. Whereas surgery often requires hospitalization and carries a higher risk of side effects, prostate embolization provides effective, long-lasting treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, while preserving the patient's quality of life.

Prostate embolization in detail

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The benefits of prostate embolization

Minimally invasive treatment no incision, so no scar.
Preserving sexual function no retrograde ejaculation, no impact on erection.
Outpatient procedure The patient is discharged the same day.
Local anesthesia no need for general anesthesia.
Fast recovery Resumption of daily activities within a few days.
Fewer complications Reduced risks compared with conventional surgery.
Proven effectiveness Long-term reduction in symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Patient comfort A painless procedure thanks to real-time radiological guidance.

Prostate adenoma: Treatment and diagnosis

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

A prostate adenoma is a common medical condition in older men (not to be confused with prostate cancer). It is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate, the gland beneath the bladder that surrounds the urethra (the channel through which urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body). It's a common pathology in men aged 50 and over. Find out more about prostate adenoma.

"The UK's National Institute for Health and Care (NICE) states that prostate embolization is now the standard treatment for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). All the medical studies confirm the benefits of this new procedure.

What is prostate embolization?

Prostate embolization is an innovative, minimally invasive medical technique that reduces the volume of the prostate by selectively blocking the blood supply to the organ using micro-particles injected into the prostatic arteries under radiological control. Performed on an outpatient basis by an interventional radiologist, this procedure is an effective alternative to surgery for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with the major advantage of preserving sexual and urinary function, while offering rapid recovery and optimal comfort for the patient.

Symptoms of prostate adenoma

Symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate adenoma, manifest themselves in various urinary disorders affecting the urinary tract. This pathology causes compression of the urethra, making it difficult to empty the bladder completely and impacting the urinary tract.

Here are the main associated urination symptoms:

Difficulty initiating micturition : It's often difficult to start urinating, with sensations of urethral obstruction.
Weak urinary stream The flow of urine becomes weak and irregular, making urination prolonged and unsatisfactory.
Feeling of incomplete emptying After micturition, a feeling of a partially filled bladder persists.
Urinary retention Inability to completely evacuate the bladder, leading to renal complications or acute renal failure.
Pollakiuria Frequent need to urinate, especially at night, disrupting sleep.
Urinary tract infections : Recurrent urinary tract infections are common, often due to chronic prostatitis associated with BPH.

BPH can also lead to other complications, such as urinary incontinence or leakage. In the event of severe symptoms, diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, digital rectal examination and semen analysis may be required to assess prostate volume, tissue condition and the presence of tumors or obstructions.

All the symptoms of hypertrophy

Why won't my urologist talk to me about prostatic artery embolization?

There may be several reasons why your urologist didn't tell you about the prostatic artery embolization technique. Some possibilities include:

Limited knowledge : Not all doctors are aware of all the techniques available. Medicine is a vast and constantly evolving field, and your urologist may not be aware of the latest advances or all the options available.
Personal preference : Some doctors may have personal preferences regarding the treatments they recommend, based on their experience and expertise. Although embolization is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
Treatment availability : The availability of different techniques may vary according to geographic region, local medical resources and treatment protocols specific to the facility where your urologist works.

Quel est le taux de réussite de l’embolisation de la prostate ?

L’embolisation des artères prostatiques est aujourd’hui reconnue comme une technique efficace pour traiter l’hypertrophie bénigne de la prostate (HBP). Les études cliniques montrent que cette intervention permet une amélioration significative des symptômes urinaires chez une grande majorité de patients.

Selon les données publiées dans plusieurs études internationales, le taux de réussite de l’embolisation de la prostate se situe généralement entre 80 % et 90 %. Cette amélioration concerne notamment le débit urinaire, la diminution des levers nocturnes et la réduction de la sensation de vidange incomplète de la vessie.

Les résultats sont-ils durables dans le temps ?

Les résultats observés après une embolisation prostatique sont généralement durables. Les études de suivi montrent que l’amélioration des symptômes urinaires peut se maintenir plusieurs années après l’intervention.

Toutefois, comme pour tout traitement de l’hypertrophie bénigne de la prostate, l’évolution dépend de plusieurs facteurs, notamment l’âge du patient, le volume prostatique et la progression naturelle de la maladie.

Quels résultats peut-on attendre après une embolisation de la prostate ?

L’embolisation prostatique permet de réduire l’apport sanguin de la prostate, ce qui entraîne une diminution progressive de son volume.

Les études cliniques montrent que cette réduction s’accompagne généralement :

d’une amélioration du débit urinaire
d’une diminution des levers nocturnes
d’une amélioration globale de la qualité de vie

L’amélioration des symptômes apparaît souvent progressivement dans les semaines suivant l’intervention.

L’embolisation réduit-elle la taille de la prostate ?

Oui, l’embolisation entraîne généralement une réduction du volume prostatique. Les études rapportent en moyenne une diminution du volume de la prostate pouvant atteindre 20 à 40 % dans les mois suivant l’intervention.

Cette réduction contribue à diminuer la compression de l’urètre et à améliorer les symptômes urinaires.

Is it true that patients experience a recurrence of symptoms after prostate embolization?

It is important to note that recurrence of symptoms after an EAP is not systematic, and a small percentage of patients may experience such recurrence. Several factors can influence the outcome, such as small-vessel revascularization of the prostate is one aspect to consider.

This revascularization can be seen as the body's natural process of maintaining the blood supply necessary for normal prostate function. It may explain why some patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, although this remains relatively rare.

How long does it take to recover from prostate embolization?

L’un des avantages majeurs de l’embolisation de la prostate est son caractère mini-invasif. Contrairement à certaines interventions chirurgicales, la récupération est généralement rapide.

Dans la majorité des cas :

le patient peut rentrer à domicile le jour même ou le lendemain
les activités quotidiennes peuvent être reprises en quelques jours
les symptômes urinaires s’améliorent progressivement dans les semaines suivant l’intervention

La plupart des patients constatent une amélioration progressive de leur confort urinaire dans le mois qui suit l’embolisation.

Quels symptômes peuvent apparaître après l’intervention ?

Après l’embolisation, certains patients peuvent ressentir des symptômes temporaires tels que :

une sensation de gêne pelvienne
des brûlures urinaires passagères
une fatigue légère dans les jours suivant la procédure

Ces manifestations sont généralement transitoires et disparaissent spontanément.

Quels sont les risques de l’embolisation de la prostate ?

Comme toute procédure médicale, l’embolisation prostatique peut entraîner certains effets secondaires. Toutefois, les complications restent rares lorsque l’intervention est réalisée par une équipe spécialisée en radiologie interventionnelle.

Les effets secondaires les plus fréquemment rapportés sont :

une irritation urinaire temporaire
une sensation de brûlure à la miction
une gêne pelvienne transitoire

Ces symptômes disparaissent généralement en quelques jours ou quelques semaines.

L’embolisation de la prostate est-elle une technique sûre ?

Plusieurs études scientifiques montrent que l’embolisation de la prostate présente un profil de sécurité favorable. Les complications majeures sont rares et le risque d’effets secondaires graves reste faible.

La précision du geste repose notamment sur l’utilisation de techniques d’imagerie avancées permettant de cibler précisément les artères prostatiques.

Center news

Direct percutaneous puncture of the prostatic artery

A failure rate of almost 0%

The Centre de la Prostate in Paris is the first center to implement such a revolutionary method in the world of interventional radiology.

Study of 30 patients referred to our center for failure of prostatic embolization by catheterization (usual embolization).

Read the study on direct puncture of the prostatic artery

A more precise approach to prostate embolization

The Prostate Center is one of the few French centers to promote 100-300 microspheres for embolization. In the meantime, a review of the literature has just confirmed the superiority of these small microspheres. As a result, the recurrence rate is considerably reduced.

Article published on PubMed - Read the scientific article