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Stanford Health Care

Prostatic Artery Embolization

Our Approach to Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

The Stanford Health Care PAE Program is one of the first in the US to offer you this innovative procedure. PAE is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. 

Our interventional radiology specialists have extensive training and experience in the safe, effective use of PAE. Using the most advanced technique and imaging technology, we generally perform PAE as an outpatient procedure. Most people go home the same day and may experience relief within the first month.

In addition to delivering excellent care personalized to your condition, our doctors conduct research to continually advance the PAE procedure, and we train new specialists – tomorrow’s leaders – to perform PAE.

3:09
Minimally Invasive Outpatient Procedure Eases Prostate Enlargement
Play Video | 3:09
Minimally Invasive Outpatient Procedure Eases Prostate Enlargement
A man’s prostate gland grows with age. For Thomas, that meant almost hourly bathroom breaks that kept him from enjoying quality of life he’d earned after a career as a nurse. Medications failed to manage his symptoms. He completed exhaustive research on surgical approaches and alternatives. Then, he came to Stanford Health Care, one of the few health centers in the country to offer Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). This video is intended for use by staff of Stanford Health Care. No representatives or warranties are made for outside use. Not for reproduction or publication without permission. Published September 2019 Stanford Health Care © 2019

What We Offer You for Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)

  • Extensive experience as one of the first in the US offering minimally invasive PAE as an alternative to surgery
  • Expertise using PAE to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) safely and effectively
  • Fast treatment usually on an outpatient basis, with relief within the first month for many patients
  • Collaboration with Stanford Urologists and clinics to offer comprehensive urologic care
  • Thought leadership by our doctors who train other interventional radiology specialists in the latest PAE advances
  • Convenience and comfort for you with appointments available within days and treatment delivered in a private setting designed with your well-being in mind
  • Active research programs to advance the use of this nonsurgical treatment for all appropriate BPH patients

What is Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)?

About PAE

PAE is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. 

Compared with surgeries such as a prostatectomy (removal of part or all of the prostate) and transurethral resection of the prostate (which involves removing tissue through an instrument inserted into the penis), PAE offers several advantages:

  • No hospitalization 
  • Minimal pain - treatment through a pinhole in the wrist or groin
  • Reduced recovery time
  • Minimal risk of sexual side-effects such as retrograde ejaculation (where semen enters the bladder instead of flowing through the penis), and erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Minimal risk of urinary incontinence (lack of control over urination)
  • No indwelling Foley catheter (inserted into the bladder to drain urine)

For many people with BPH, innovative PAE may offer an excellent alternative to surgery. Your doctor can help you determine if PAE may be right for your specific condition.

Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-724-7362