Is enlarged prostate treatment necessary if my urinary symptoms are mild right now?

Yes, early evaluation can be beneficial. Dr. Zagum Bhatti, your enlarged prostate specialist in Port Arthur, assesses symptoms, prostate size, and overall health to determine whether monitoring, lifestyle changes, medication, or a minimally invasive enlarged prostate treatment may help maintain long-term urinary comfort.

How long does the prostate artery embolization usually take, and will I need to stay in the hospital afterward?

Most prostate artery embolization procedures are completed within a few hours and typically do not require an overnight hospital stay. Dr. Bhatti performs the prostate artery embolization using image guidance, allowing many patients to return home the same day.

How soon can I expect relief from urinary symptoms after the enlarged prostate treatment?

Patients often notice gradual improvement over several weeks as the prostate begins to shrink. Dr. Zagum Bhatti, your enlarged prostate specialist in Port Arthur, monitors recovery and symptom progress to ensure the enlarged prostate non-surgical treatment is working effectively and comfortably for each patient.

How can prostate artery embolization help reduce symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

Dr. Zagum Bhatti, your enlarged prostate specialist in Port Arthur, performs a targeted enlarged prostate non-surgical treatment that reduces blood flow to the prostate. Over time, this helps the gland shrink and eases pressure on the urinary tract, improving bladder control and daily comfort.

Is prostate artery embolization considered safer than traditional prostate surgery?

Many patients choose prostate artery embolization because it avoids large incisions and general surgery. Our minimally invasive technique focuses on targeted treatment, which often means fewer complications, reduced discomfort, and a shorter recovery period.

Will I need to stop taking my current medications before the procedure?

Before treatment, Dr. Bhatti carefully reviews all medications and medical history, and provides clear guidance on which medications to continue or pause temporarily to help ensure a safe and successful procedure.

When should I see an enlarged prostate specialist in Lake Charles about my symptoms?

If urinary problems begin interfering with sleep, daily activities, or comfort, Dr. Bhatti recommends scheduling an evaluation. He assesses your symptoms and health history to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Am I a good candidate if medications have not improved my urinary symptoms?

Many patients seek care after medications fail to provide adequate relief. Dr. Bhatti evaluates prostate size, symptom severity, and medical history to determine whether a minimally invasive treatment option may help improve urinary function.

How long does recovery usually take after the procedure?

Recovery is generally quicker than traditional surgery. Most patients resume light activities within a few days while gradually experiencing symptom improvement as the prostate reduces in size over time.

How do I schedule a prostate artery embolization consultation in Lake Charles?

Scheduling is simple. Our staff will guide you through the consultation process, review your symptoms, and coordinate an appointment with Dr. Bhatti to discuss treatment options and develop a personalized care plan.

Advanced Men's Health Care

Prostate Artery Embolization in Lake Charles, LA — Non-Surgical BPH Treatment That Improves Urinary Function

Patients from Lake Charles, LA are seen at our Port Arthur office. Expert, minimally invasive care for men suffering from an enlarged prostate (BPH) — without the need for major surgery.

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Same week appointments available

Medically reviewed by Zagum Bhatti, M.D. — Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist

Last reviewed: July 4, 2026

Patients from Lake Charles, LA are seen at our office located at 3300 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Suite #130, Port Arthur, TX 77642 — 55 miles away.

What Is Prostate Artery Embolization?

Many patients choose prostate artery embolization as a modern option that avoids traditional surgery. By limiting blood supply to the prostate, this procedure helps reduce pressure and gradually shrink the gland, and patients typically experience improved urinary flow over time. At Seamless Medical Centers in Port Arthur, PAE is performed by Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD, a board-certified interventional radiologist, using advanced imaging and targeted techniques to limit disruption to surrounding tissue.

PAE is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure. The embolic microsphere device used for it received FDA de novo (Class II) classification for the prostate artery embolization indication in symptomatic BPH in 2017. PAE was added to the 2023 American Urological Association BPH guideline amendment as a conditional recommendation (it "may be offered" after a discussion of risks and benefits), and it is supported by a SIR-led multisociety consensus statement.

PAE is an option for selected patients — not a replacement for TURP when surgery is indicated, and not a cure. Dr. Bhatti confirms whether the procedure is appropriate for you based on prostate size, symptom severity, and vascular anatomy.

Who It's For

Who Can Benefit from Prostate Artery Embolization?

Many men experience prostate enlargement as they age, which can lead to uncomfortable urinary symptoms and daily disruption. For individuals seeking a non-surgical enlarged prostate treatment, prostate artery embolization may provide effective symptom relief. A consultation with Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD, confirms candidacy based on prostate size, symptom severity, and vascular anatomy.

Men Experiencing Urinary Symptoms

Men dealing with frequent urination, weak urine flow, or difficulty emptying the bladder may benefit from prostate artery embolization. The non-surgical enlarged prostate treatment helps reduce prostate size and relieve pressure on the urinary tract.

Men Looking to Avoid Surgery

Some patients prefer alternatives to invasive prostate surgery. Prostate artery embolization offers an enlarged prostate non-surgical treatment that focuses on symptom relief while minimizing hospital stays, incisions, and long recovery periods.

Men with Persistent Prostate Enlargement

When medications or lifestyle changes fail to control symptoms, prostate artery embolization may help. The non-surgical enlarged prostate treatment targets the blood supply feeding prostate growth, helping reduce pressure and improve bladder function.

Older Adults Managing Prostate Health

Older adults often seek guidance from an enlarged prostate specialist when urinary symptoms affect sleep and daily life. Prostate artery embolization provides a targeted treatment designed to restore comfort and confidence.

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Common Symptoms

Prostate Artery Embolization for Lake Charles Men with Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate can create ongoing discomfort and significantly affect a man's quality of life. Many patients experience symptoms that interfere with sleep, daily routines, and overall well-being. Prostate artery embolization offers a minimally invasive approach that focuses on reducing prostate size and relieving pressure on the urinary tract.

Frequent urination during the day

Waking up multiple times at night to urinate

Weak or interrupted urine stream

Difficulty starting urination

Feeling that the bladder does not fully empty

Sudden urgency to urinate

For men experiencing these symptoms, prostate artery embolization provides a targeted solution that works by reducing blood flow to the prostate. As the gland gradually shrinks, pressure on the bladder and urethra decreases. Many patients consider this procedure as part of a broader BPH treatment approach when symptoms persist despite medication.

Because the procedure is performed through a small catheter and guided imaging, it typically involves less discomfort and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgery. Patients often return to normal activities sooner while experiencing lasting improvement in urinary symptoms and overall comfort.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation now →

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What to Expect

Safety, Recovery & What to Expect

PAE is an emerging, minimally invasive procedure with a generally favorable safety profile. Understanding recovery, possible side effects, and who may not be a candidate is part of making an informed decision.

Recovery

PAE is an outpatient procedure performed under conscious (moderate) sedation — no general anesthesia. Most men go home the same day through a pinhole entry in the wrist or groin and return to light activity within a few days. Urinary symptoms improve gradually over the following weeks as the prostate shrinks.

Side effects and risks

Most common (temporary, about 1–2 weeks): pelvic or perineal discomfort, urinary frequency or urgency, burning with urination, and sometimes blood in the urine or semen — often grouped as post-PAE syndrome. Less common: temporary urinary retention; seminal-vesicle irritation (hematospermia, reported in up to about 16% of patients); ejaculatory changes that are substantially less frequent than after TURP but not eliminated. Rare: non-target embolization affecting the bladder, rectum, or penile vessels. Major complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced interventional radiologist.

Durability

PAE is not a cure. Symptoms can recur, and retreatment (repeat PAE or surgery) is reported in up to roughly 20% of patients at five years; unilateral embolization carries a higher recurrence risk than bilateral.

Who may not be a candidate

PAE is not appropriate for urinary symptoms caused by something other than BPH, or where prostate cancer is suspected, and may be unsuitable with very small prostates, active urinary infection, or vascular anatomy that cannot be safely catheterized. Candidacy is confirmed by Dr. Bhatti.

Surgery-Free Care

Why Men Choose PAE Over Surgery for an Enlarged Prostate

PAE is an option for selected men who want to avoid surgery; it is not a replacement for TURP when surgery is indicated. Dr. Bhatti will help you weigh the options.

No skin incision — pinhole arterial access

Conscious (moderate) sedation — no general anesthesia

Same-day, outpatient procedure

Light activity within a few days

PAE vs. TURP Surgery

	Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)	TURP (Surgery)
Access / incision	Pinhole arterial entry (wrist or groin)	No skin incision; tissue resected through the urethra
Anesthesia	Conscious (moderate) sedation	Spinal or general anesthesia
Hospital stay	Same-day, outpatient	Often 1–2 days
Recovery	Light activity within a few days	About 4–6 weeks; urinary catheter for several days
Symptom relief	Gradual, over weeks	More immediate
Ejaculatory side effects	Loss of ejaculation much less common — anejaculation ≈16% in a randomized trial; reduced (not absent) ejaculation still reported in ~40% of men	Loss of normal ejaculation common — anejaculation ≈52% in the same trial; retrograde ejaculation reported up to ≈65–90% in older series
Erectile function	Generally preserved; non-target embolization can rarely affect erections	Erectile dysfunction reported in a minority of patients
U.S. regulatory / evidence status	Embolic device FDA de novo (Class II) classified for PAE (2017); AUA conditional recommendation (2023); evidence maturing	Long-established surgical gold standard
Insurance coverage	Varies by plan; some payers consider it investigational — verify benefits	Generally covered
Durability	Retreatment in up to ~20% at 5 years	Lower retreatment rate

Ejaculation figures are from the randomized PAE-vs-TURP trial (Abt et al., BMJ 2018) and its reassessment (Müllhaupt et al., World J Urol 2020); a matched-pair analysis (Ray et al., 2018) reported retrograde ejaculation in 24.1% after PAE vs 47.5% after TURP. All comparative claims are reviewed and approved by Dr. Bhatti before publishing.

Are You a Candidate for PAE?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for this treatment.

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Have you ever been diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

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Your Consultation

Schedule Your Prostate Artery Embolization Consultation at Our Port Arthur Medical Center

Dr. Zagum Bhatti, MD, reviews your symptoms and imaging to determine whether PAE is a reasonable option for you. During your consultation, your physician will:

Review your urinary symptoms and IPSS score
Review prostate imaging and vascular anatomy
Discuss whether PAE is appropriate for you
Confirm candidacy with Dr. Bhatti
Walk through recovery, risks, and realistic outcomes
Verify your insurance benefits and coverage for PAE

Book Your Consultation→Call (409) 213-9575

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About Your Physician

Zagum Bhatti, M.D.

Board-Certified Interventional Radiologist

Founder & Chief Medical Officer; Interventional Radiologist

Dr. Zagum Bhatti is a board-certified, dual-fellowship-trained interventional radiologist and a former Assistant Professor of Vascular & Interventional Radiology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). He has dedicated his career to minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that treat serious conditions without open surgery. As Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Seamless Medical Centers, he brings academic-level expertise — including published peer-reviewed research in vascular and interventional radiology — to a community practice in Southeast Texas, making advanced treatments for enlarged prostate, uterine fibroids, knee osteoarthritis, peripheral artery disease, and chronic pain available close to home.

Education & training

B.S., Biochemistry — University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (2001–2004)
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) — Medical College of Wisconsin (2004–2008)
Residency, Diagnostic Radiology — Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (2008–2012)
Fellowship, Neuroradiology — Medical College of Wisconsin (2013–2014)
Fellowship, Vascular & Interventional Radiology — Rush University Medical Center (Rush Medical College) (2014–2015)

Board certification & licensure

Board Certified in Interventional Radiology / Diagnostic Radiology, American Board of Radiology — actively maintained in the ABR Continuing Certification (MOC) program
Texas Medical License #Q3852
NPI 1053577890

Selected publications

Portal Venous Interventions: How to Recognize, Avoid, or Get Out of Trouble in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS), Balloon Occlusion Sclerosis (BRTO), and Portal Vein Embolization (PVE). Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2018;21(4):267-287.
Percutaneous Venous Interventions in the Pulmonary Vascular, Central and Peripheral Venous Systems: How to Recognize, Avoid and Treat Complications. Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2018;21(4):228-241.
Spontaneous Chyluria Treated with Retrograde Embolization via Direct Thoracic Duct Access at the Left Neck. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology 2019;30(5):772-774.
Management of Vascular Complications of Extra-corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy 2018;8(3):372-377.

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Medical Sources

The clinical information on this page is supported by the following peer-reviewed studies and professional medical society guidance.

AUA BPH Guideline Amendment 2023 (J Urol 2024;211:11–19) — PAE conditional recommendation (Grade C) — 'may be offered'.
FDA de novo classification DEN160040 (2017) — First embolic agent FDA-classified for the PAE indication.
Pisco et al., Radiology — PAE 10-year experience (RSNA, 2020) — Prostate volume reduction (≈39% max) and IPSS improvement.
Abt et al., BMJ 2018;361:k2338 — randomized PAE vs TURP trial — Head-to-head PAE vs TURP, including ejaculatory outcomes.
Müllhaupt et al., World J Urol 2020 — ejaculatory disorders after PAE — Anejaculation ≈16% PAE vs ≈52% TURP; ~40% had diminished ejaculation.
PAE for BPH (J Urol, 2024) — Retreatment up to ~20% at 5 years; gradual symptom relief.
RadioGraphics — PAE indications, technique, complications (RSNA, 2021) — Outpatient, sedation, post-PAE symptoms, complication profile.

Ready to learn more?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhatti to discuss your treatment options and see if this procedure is right for you.

Insurance varies by plan — some payers consider PAE investigational. We verify your benefits and handle prior authorization before treatment.