Urinary Incontinence or Obstruction

Urinary incontinence, the loss of bladder control, is a common problem. Issues can range from mild (occasionally urinating a small amount when you cough or sneeze) to more severe (experiencing a urinary urge that is so sudden and violent that you can’t reach a bathroom in time).

Urinary obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in one or both of the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A serious obstruction needs to be treated immediately to prevent serious consequences, but gradual obstructions can also occur and lead to the need for treatment.

In some cases, interventional radiology procedures can help resolve these concerns and allow you to move forward.

Urinary Incontinence Caused by BPH

In men, urinary incontinence can be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH – a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged but the enlargement is not caused by cancer. This condition is more common with age as the prostate tends to get bigger over time.

Prostatic Artery Embolization

A new treatment option is available as an alternative to surgery, and with fewer complications than transurethral resection of the prostate: prostatic artery embolization (PAE). PAE may also be performed in men who are not candidates for traditional treatment methods, such as when BPH is smaller than 50 cc or larger than 80 cc.

PAE is performed by an interventional radiologist using image guidance to thread a catheter into the prostate artery on both sides of the enlarged gland. The artery is then embolized to block blood flow, causing the prostate to shrink.

PAE can help resolve symptoms including:

• Urinary incontinence
• Irritation or pain when urinating
• Urinary frequency and urgency

Urinary Obstruction

The ureters are long, narrow tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Sometimes, ureters can become obstructed due to blood clots or kidney stones.

Ureteral stenting

A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube threaded into the ureter by an interventional radiologist. During this procedure, a tube is placed through the skin on the patient’s back into the kidney to open the ureter and restore the flow of urine into the bladder. This is known as ureteral stenting. This will allow a kidney stone to pass or help clear other related concerns so that urine can flow unobstructed.

This is an outpatient procedure and you will be able to return home the same day.

If you are interested in learning more, request an appointment to take the first step.