Prostatic Artery Embolization
A minimally invasive procedure to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Available at Maisonneuve-Rosemont hospital
Please send us your consultation requests by FAX at (514) 252-3547.
About the intervention
The procedure consists in treating the benign (non-cancerous) hypertrophy of the prostate, which is characterized by an increase in the prostatic volume. This is an alternative to transurethral surgery. The increasing volume of the prostate can affect the quality of life of men, causing lower urinary tract symptoms such as:
- Increased urinary frequency
- Difficulty to urinate (straining or slow urinary stream)
- An inability to control urges to urinate
The intervention lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours. An interventional radiologist will meet with you to answer all your questions prior to the intervention.
Preparation for Prostatic Artery Embolization
It is required to previously carry out a coagulation and renal function assessment, as well as a prostate volume measurement by scanner or magnetic resonance.
Contraindication
- If you have severe kidney failure.
- If you have prostate cancer that requires curative treatment.
- If you are allergic to iodinated contrast agents.
Intervention process
Our team will accompany you and install you on the exam table.
Local anesthesia will be performed and the interventional radiologist will make a millimeter incision in your groin to access the artery.
The interventional radiologist will introduce a small tube (catheter) into the artery up to the prostatic arteries, guided by X-rays and a contrast agent.
Microparticles (particles the size of a grain of sand) will be released into the prostatic arteries.
This is a one-day procedure. You will leave after an observation period of a few hours.
What you may experience
Once the catheter is in place, the procedure is painless.
After the intervention
In the days following the procedure, you may feel some signs of irritation like urinary burns. These symptoms are controlled by the medication. Antibiotics will also be prescribed to prevent infections.
Other Services Offered
General Radiology
(Without an appointment)
X-ray medical imaging technique
Ultrasonography
Ultrasound-based medical imaging technique
Injection Therapy
Injection of an anti-inflammatory or lubricating product
Barium Swallow
Study of the upper digestive tract
Mammography
Study of mammary glands using x-rays
Osteodensitometry
Measurement of bone density
Barium Enema
X-ray exam of the large intestine
Small Bowel Follow-Through
Study of the lining of the small intestine
Contact us
Do you still have unanswered questions? Contact us. Our team will be happy to answer.