Prostate Artery Embolization in Turkey

An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is extremely common as men get older. It can cause frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, a weak urinary stream, waking repeatedly at night and a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.

For selected patients, Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) offers a minimally invasive treatment option without conventional prostate surgery.

At Healing Journey, we are frequently asked: “Can an enlarged prostate be treated without surgery?” and “What is the prostate artery embolization Turkey price?” Below is a clear guide to PAE and who may be suitable for treatment.

WHAT IS PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION (PAE)?

PAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.

Instead of surgically removing prostate tissue, a very small catheter is introduced into an artery, usually through the wrist or groin, and guided into the arteries supplying the prostate.

Tiny embolization particles are then delivered selectively into these vessels, reducing blood flow to the enlarged prostate tissue.

Over the following weeks and months, the prostate gradually decreases in volume, which can reduce pressure on the urethra and improve urinary symptoms.

PAE generally does not require a conventional surgical incision and is commonly performed without an overnight hospital stay.

IS PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION A GOOD TREATMENT FOR BPH?

For appropriately selected patients, PAE can significantly improve urinary symptoms caused by benign prostate enlargement. NICE considers the evidence on the safety and efficacy of PAE adequate to support its use when appropriate clinical governance and patient selection are in place. (NICE)

PAE may be considered in men experiencing symptoms such as:

• Weak urinary flow
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination
• Waking repeatedly at night to urinate
• Urgency
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Significant symptoms despite medication

One potential attraction of PAE is its minimally invasive nature and relatively favourable sexual side-effect profile compared with some conventional surgical treatments.

However, PAE is not the best treatment for every enlarged prostate.

Established surgical treatments can provide greater improvements in urinary flow and some functional outcomes. The choice between PAE, TURP, HoLEP and other BPH treatments should therefore depend on the individual patient’s anatomy, symptoms, prostate size and treatment priorities rather than simply choosing the least invasive procedure. (UROLUTS)

WHAT SHOULD BE CHECKED BEFORE PAE?

Before prostate artery embolization, it is important to confirm that the urinary symptoms are actually related to benign prostate enlargement.

Assessment may include:

• Urology consultation
• PSA
• Prostate examination and imaging
• Prostate volume measurement
• Urinalysis
• Uroflowmetry
• Post-void residual urine measurement
• Kidney function when clinically indicated
• Additional investigations such as cystoscopy or urodynamics in selected patients

Current European guidance recommends assessment of urinary flow and post-void residual urine and appropriate prostate imaging when planning procedural treatment for male lower urinary tract symptoms. (UROLUTS)

Importantly, prostate cancer or another urinary condition should not be overlooked simply because the prostate is enlarged.

WHY CHOOSE TURKEY FOR PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION?

Turkey provides access to experienced interventional radiologists and urologists, together with modern angiography, prostate imaging and diagnostic facilities.

For international patients, potential advantages include:

• Access to experienced interventional radiology specialists
• Modern embolization and angiography technology
• Combined urology and interventional radiology assessment
• Short waiting times
• Competitive treatment costs compared with many UK and European private centres

At Healing Journey, the first step is not simply booking an embolization.

The patient’s existing medical information is reviewed to determine whether PAE is actually an appropriate treatment compared with alternatives such as medication, TURP, HoLEP or another BPH procedure.

The appropriate specialist and hospital can then be selected according to the patient’s medical requirements.

PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION TURKEY PRICE

One of the most common questions from international patients is the PAE Turkey price, particularly when comparing treatment with private prostate procedures in the UK or Europe.

The cost of prostate artery embolization in Turkey depends on the individual treatment requirements.

Factors may include:

• Prostate size and anatomy
• Whether additional prostate imaging is required
• Whether further urological investigations are necessary
• Angiography and embolization requirements
• Specialist and hospital requirements
• Medical conditions requiring additional preparation

For this reason, an accurate treatment plan and price should ideally be prepared after reviewing the patient’s prostate assessment, PSA, imaging and previous urology results.

Healing Journey provides independent medical coordination, including case review, appropriate specialist and hospital selection, treatment planning, in-country medical support, documentation and continuity of care after returning home.

If you already have a prostate ultrasound or MRI, PSA result, uroflowmetry or previous urology reports, these can be reviewed before travelling to determine whether PAE may be an appropriate treatment option for you.