Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in middle-aged and older men, often leading to urinary issues such as frequent urination and weak urine flow, which can significantly affect daily life. Today, embolisation is considered an advanced, non-surgical treatment technique that allows patients to recover quickly.

Prostatic Artery Embolisation (PAE) for an 86-Year-Old Patient

Mr N.V.H., an 86-year-old resident of Ho Chi Minh City, suffered from difficulty urinating, and frequent and painful urination. Doctors diagnosed him with a large benign prostatic enlargement. Due to his advanced age and underlying conditions, including diabetes and chronic kidney disease, surgical treatment posed significant risks. As a result, doctors at another hospital initially opted for medication and a stent placement. However, his symptoms persisted and worsened, and he became increasingly dependent on adult diapers, significantly impacting his quality of life.

Upon a recommendation, Mr H. sought medical consultation at FV Hospital. Dr Huynh Huu Danh, Specialist Level I in the Imaging & Interventional Radiology Department, diagnosed him with a significantly enlarged prostate compressing his bladder. Dr Danh proposed prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) as a treatment option. This minimally invasive procedure involves guiding a microcatheter from the femoral artery to the arteries supplying the prostate, where embolic agents are injected to block the blood flow. Over time, the prostate shrinks, alleviating pressure on the bladder and urethra, and gradually improving urinary symptoms. Mr H. agreed to undergo the procedure.

The procedure lasted approximately two hours, and the patient only required local anaesthesia. Mr H. was discharged the following day. Just one week after undergoing the procedure, his urinary symptoms improved significantly, allowing him to regain comfort in his daily activities.

Advantages of Embolisation in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic enlargement, is a common condition among older men, particularly after the age of 50. According to the World Health Organisation, BPH affects approximately 50% of men aged 50-60 and 90% of men aged 80-90.

Although BPH is a non-cancerous condition, it can cause troublesome symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent nighttime urination, and increased urinary frequency. These urinary issues not only disrupt daily activities but can also affect sleep quality, overall health, and mental well-being. Additionally, it can lead to more serious complications, including urinary tract infections, impaired kidney function, and bladder problems.

Early detection and treatment of benign prostate tumours are essential for improving the quality of life and preventing complications. According to Dr Huynh Huu Danh, men over 50 who experience symptoms such as difficulty urinating or frequent nighttime urination should undergo regular health check-ups for early detection. If medication proves ineffective, the embolisation technique is an optimal choice to improve the patient’s quality of life without the need for surgery.

Dr Danh also highlighted that the embolisation technique is a suitable treatment for prostate hyperplasia in elderly patients with underlying conditions such as kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. This minimally invasive technique reduces the risk of complications compared to traditional surgery. Additionally, embolisation is an effective alternative for patients who do not respond well to medication or experience side effects from long-term medication use.

Prostate artery embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require general anaesthesia, incisions, does not cause significant blood loss, and leaves no scars. It also reduces the risk of infection and post-surgical complications. The procedure takes approximately two hours, allowing patients a quick recovery and discharge the next day. Importantly, this technique preserves physiological function and does not affect male sexual health.

Beyond treating prostate hyperplasia, the embolisation technique is widely used for various conditions, including liver tumours, uterine fibroids, vascular malformations in the brain, arms, legs, abdomen, and nasopharyngeal tumours.

FV Hospital is one of the few medical facilities equipped to perform the embolisation technique using the DSA background subtraction imaging system. The procedure is conducted in an operating room that meets JCI infection control standards by a team of experienced doctors, including specialists in interventional radiology, ensuring the best treatment option for patients.