First prostate embolisation surgery performed in KZN

THE first prostate embolization procedure (PAE) was performed by a group of doctors at Life Entabeni Hospital last Thursday, 22 September.

According to Durban doctor, Gareth Bydawell, PAE has gained acceptance overseas to the high success rates and excellent safety profile. The highest numbers of procedures have been performed in Europe, USA and Brazil, and PAE has only recently been introduced to South Africa and has been performed in Johannesburg, Pretoria and now in Durban.

The first cases in Durban were performed at Life Entabeni Hospital with the assistance of an international doctor from Miami, USA, Dr Shivank Bhatia. The cases were performed successfully via the radial artery (wrist) and all patients were discharged on the same day.

“The procedure is available for any patients with urinary symptoms related to an enlarged prostate gland. This also includes patients with recurrent haematuria and urinary retention. One of the real strengths of PAE is that it can be performed on patients with very large prostate glands (>100g) and those who have medical co-morbities. These patients are often not suitable for surgery due to the risk factors involved,” said Dr Bydawell.

He said with any medical condition it is always beneficial to have many options for treatment. In addition there is an increasing worldwide trend towards minimally invasive treatments, and PAE offers a potential solution to many patients with BPH (enlarged symptomatic prostate).

Bydawell said PAE is best performed in conjunction with a urologist, who will perform baseline investigations and assess the suitability of the procedure for each patient.