After a prostate embolisation
Prostate embolisation for an enlarged prostate
Prostate embolisation is a procedure to block the arteries that supply blood to an enlarged prostate and reduce its size.
What happens after the procedure
After a prostate embolisation procedure, you stay in the recovery unit for a short time. You need to lie flat for about 4 hours.
In the recovery unit, we:
- check your blood pressure and pulse regularly
- put a clip on your finger to measure the oxygen level in your blood
- check the pulse of your foot (pedal pulse) at the bottom of your ankle (this is not painful)
How you are likely to feel
It is common to have some bruising where we put in the catheter during the procedure. This area is usually sore and uncomfortable for a few days.
You are likely to have a small amount of pain and cramping for the first few hours. We give you painkillers for this.
You can usually go home on the same day, but need a responsible adult to travel home with you.
When you go home
Here is some guidance to help you when you go home after a prostate embolisation.
Tips for when you go home
Do
- Arrange for a responsible adult to travel home with you.
- Call 020 7188 2888 (Monday to Friday, 7.45am to 7pm) if you need to arrange hospital transport to take you home.
- Rest for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly you recover. You may feel tired after the procedure. After 1 to 2 weeks, you can return to work and your usual activities.
- Check the area where we put in the catheter during the procedure regularly.
- Eat and drink as usual after the procedure.
- Continue taking any medicines as usual, except for diabetes medicines containing metformin. You need to stop these for 2 days after the procedure.
Don't
- Do not drive or do any heavy exercise for 48 hours (2 days) after the procedure. This is to give the area where we put in the catheter time to heal.
If you have any concerning symptoms
You may have a burning feeling in your lower tummy (abdomen) for a couple of days. We give you painkillers when you leave hospital. You can take them as prescribed to treat this.
You may notice a small amount of blood mixed in your poo or urine.
Contact the interventional radiology (IR) department if:
- the bleeding becomes heavier
- you also have pain that is getting worse or a high temperature (fever)
After the procedure, you may notice some bruising where we put in the catheter.
Bleeding or swelling is rare. If this does happen, lie down and put pressure directly on the area for 10 minutes.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
the bleeding or swelling continues after 10 minutes
Resource number: 3641/VER4
Last reviewed: November 2023
Next review due: November 2026
A list of sources is available on request.
