Lu's medication treatment did not improve his symptoms. An examination at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, revealed his prostate measured approximately 54g, double its normal size.

Dr. Thi Van Gung, Head of the Endovascular Intervention Unit at the Center for Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, explained that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) results from cell proliferation. This condition compresses the urethra and bladder, causing symptoms such as difficult urination, nocturia, frequent urination, or urinary retention. Untreated, it can lead to complications like urinary tract infection, bladder damage, and kidney failure.

The medical team intervening for Lu's prostate enlargement. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The doctors prescribed embolization for Lu to cut off the blood supply to the enlarged tissue, gradually shrinking the prostate. This minimally invasive treatment avoids general anesthesia, reduces blood loss, lowers sexual dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation risks, and shortens hospital stays.

The medical team utilized a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) system with AI guidance to identify prostatic artery branches. Using a microcatheter, doctors inserted embolic material into target vessels, reducing blood flow to the enlarged mass. Doctors performed the procedure via the radial artery in the wrist, allowing patients to ambulate early and resume nearly normal activities soon after the intervention.

Lu was discharged after one day. Three months after treatment, his painful and frequent urination had almost completely resolved.

Doctors recommend that men over 45 who experience symptoms such as frequent nocturia, difficult urination, weak stream, or incomplete emptying should seek early examination for timely diagnosis and treatment. Currently, many minimally invasive treatment options for prostate enlargement are available, such as embolization or laser endoscopic surgery, which help reduce pain, shorten recovery time, and limit complications.

Nhu Ngoc

*Patient's name has been changed