Treatment of chronic prostatitis by embolization
This technique, initially used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, involves selectively blocking the blood vessels supplying the prostate by inserting a catheter and injecting embolizing agents. This reduces vascularization and, consequently, inflammation and associated pain.
Transcatheter embolization in the treatment of chronic prostatitis
Recent studies show that transcatheter embolization offers encouraging results in terms of reducing painful symptoms and improving urinary symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis. This minimally invasive procedure offers several advantages:
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Reduced urinary pain and symptoms Embolization: By reducing the blood supply to the prostate, embolization reduces inflammation and alleviates symptoms such as pelvic pain and urinary disorders.
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Minimizing side effects Transcatheter embolization is less invasive than surgical procedures, with a reduced risk of complications. It is generally well tolerated by patients, and enables rapid recovery.
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Option for cases resistant to standard treatments Embolization is particularly interesting for patients whose symptoms persist despite medication, physiotherapy and other non-invasive approaches.
Video explainingprostatic artery embolization
Clinical results and efficacy
Studies show that this technique is highly effective in relieving urinary pain and symptoms, often with significant improvement in the first few weeks after the procedure. Success rates are high, with many patients reporting improved long-term quality of life. The procedure is still being evaluated for its optimal application in chronic prostatitis, but current data are promising and support its use as a viable alternative for difficult cases.
In a recent study, 44 patients with refractory chronic prostatitis were treated with transcatheter artery embolization (TAAE). Results showed a significant improvement in symptoms in a majority of patients, notably in terms of reduced pelvic pain and urinary disorders. The study revealed that ETA is not only safe but also effective for difficult cases of chronic prostatitis, with a low rate of complications and a notable improvement in participants' quality of life. These promising results suggest that ETA could become an alternative of choice for patients not responding to conventional treatments. Link to scientific article.
Mechanism of action and process of transcatheter embolization of the prostatic arteries (ETAP)
Transcatheter artery embolization (TAAE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce inflammation and volume in the prostate by selectively blocking the blood vessels supplying it. The process involves injecting embolizing agents into the prostatic arteries via a catheter, usually inserted through the femoral or radial artery. This catheter is guided by imaging to the prostatic vessels, enabling precise visualization and targeting of the areas to be treated.
Once the catheter is in place, small embolizing particles are injected to obstruct the targeted arteries. This obstruction reduces the local blood supply (ischemia), leading to a progressive reduction in prostate volume and a calming of the inflammatory response. The precision of ETA minimizes effects on surrounding tissues, such as the bladder and rectum, offering an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for patients suffering from chronic prostatitis.
In short, ETA is an innovative solution for chronic prostatitis refractory to conventional treatments, with a significant positive impact on quality of life and a low risk of complications.
Transcatheter artery embolization as first-line treatment
Transcatheter embolization of the arteries for chronic prostatitis is now establishing itself as a first-line option in the treatment of chronic prostatitis, particularly for patients refractory to conventional treatments.
Its ability to precisely target inflamed prostate areas, combined with low invasiveness and minimal complication rates, makes it an effective method for reducing pelvic pain and improving urinary symptoms.
Advances in clinical research reinforce ETAP's potential as an option of choice for practitioners, with encouraging results in terms of symptom relief and improved quality of life for patients.
