HackensackUMC Provides New Cutting-Edge Prostate Embolization Procedure to Alleviate BPH

On Jan 5, 2015

A new cutting-edge prostate embolization procedure is now available for clinical use at Hackensack University Medical Center (HackensackUMC) through the cooperation of the departments of Urology and Interventional Radiology in order to treat select patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In 2000, John DeMeritt, M.D. an interventional radiologist along with his colleagues in the Urology Department at HackensackUMC were the first to report the relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) related urinary symptoms after arterial embolization with small particles.

The relief of BPH related urinary symptoms was associated with significant shrinkage of the prostate gland.  After further research and clinical testing at various institutions, this promising procedure is now becoming more widely used for select patients and is called prostate arterial embolization (PAE).  Similar to the female version to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids, prostate embolization effectively reduces the blood supply to the enlarged prostate in order to shrink it, thereby reducing urinary symptoms.  Men with BPH can expect to have symptoms of frequent urination, voiding difficulties, nocturnal incontinence, urgency, bladder issues, and occasionally blood in the urine.  The urologist can determine the best treatment options for the patient. If the patient is an appropriate candidate, the urologist can refer the patient to an interventional radiologist for this same-day, outpatient procedure.

“I had blood when I urinated, severe cramping and less than two weeks after the procedure, my symptoms were gone and I was 100 percent back to my old self,” said W. L. Rivers of Verona, a  patient of Dr. Tom Christiano, HackensackUMC Department of Urology  and Dr. DeMeritt, who underwent the procedure two months ago.

“This procedure is a viable alternative for select patients with severe symptoms and a significantly enlarged prostate gland as opposed to a total prostatectomy.  HackensackUMC is one of the few centers in the metropolitan area performing prostate embolization,” said Dr. DeMeritt.

HackensackUMC has state-of-the-art technology, including Cone Beam CT, to guide the procedure.  Cone Beam CT is utilized to ensure safety for patients and minimize complications from the procedure.

The procedure consists of a catheter being placed through a groin artery and subsequently into the small arteries that feed the prostate gland.  Small particles are then inserted through the catheter in order to reduce the blood flow to the prostate and shrink it.

“I was a bit skeptical at first, but as the days progressed after my surgery, I got better and better.  I really appreciate the care HackensackUMC took to get me better,” said Mr. Rivers.

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