What are patients saying about the new prostate treatment?

Good news for majority of men suffering lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)

The majority of men at some point will experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by an enlarged prostate. These symptoms can range from being mildly irritating to being utterly debilitating. The symptoms of LUTS include:

  • problems with urination, including urgency to urinate (especially at night),
  • leakage of urine,
  • a weak urine stream or
  • trouble starting urination.

These symptoms can become extremely troublesome and have a serious impact on quality of life. Furthermore, if left untreated they can cause other problems including bladderkidney and urinary tract infections.

Traditional medical and surgical treatments vary considerably in their outcome and surgery always carries risk. Men are therefore increasingly seeking alternative, minimally invasive treatments to shrink the prostate without the side-effects.

New minimally invasive treatment - PAE

Dr Nigel Hacking has pioneered the introduction of a minimally invasive treatment known as prostate artery embolisation (PAE).  PAE is effective in shrinking the enlarged prostate and therefore also treating LUTS.

This treatment is therefore potentially very good news for the vast majority of men. So from a patient perspective, what is involved in PAE? And, what are Dr Hacking's patients saying?

The overall response from patients has been overwhelmingly positive, but they should be allowed to tell the story themselves. Here are three patient reports:

1. Mr DW - "At the three month follow up MRI scan in Southampton my prostate was the same size as that of a young man".

2. Prof MWR - "I am still living in a period of post embolisation elation".

3. Summary of treatment and PAE patient feedback on BBC report.

For further information, please see - Prostate artery embolisation increasingly preferred treatment choice

The organ that stores urine. Full medical glossary
The passing of urine from the body. Full medical glossary