Rena Malik, MD Podcast How One Simple Procedure Can Save You from Prostate Surgery Forever | Prostate Artery Embolization
Aug 29, 2025
Dr. Aaron Fischman, a Professor of Interventional Radiology at Icahn School of Medicine, shares insights into prostate artery embolization, a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate. He discusses how the procedure works, its impressive success rates, and what patients can expect during recovery. The conversation highlights advancements in imaging technology, the importance of expert evaluation, and the benefits of this innovative approach in improving men's health while reducing surgery risks.
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Expected Success And Key Predictors
- Clinical success for symptomatic BPH after embolization is about 80–85% in properly selected patients.
- Larger prostates and normal bladder function predict better outcomes; bladder dysfunction limits benefit.
Manage Catheter-Dependent Patients Strategically
- For acute urinary retention with a catheter, plan catheter removal trials at ~2 weeks and again at 4 weeks if needed.
- Counsel patients that catheter-dependent bladders for long durations may be less likely to recover full function.
Low Long-Term Sexual Side-Effect Risk
- Non-target embolization risk exists but is rare and usually heals without long-term sequelae.
- Sexual side effects like retrograde ejaculation or ED are very uncommon after embolization.