The Urology Group

www.urologygroupvirginia.com

Prostate Artery Embolization Postoperative Instructions

Thank you for having your Prostatic Artery Embolization with The Urology Group at Loudoun Medical Group’s Interventional Radiology Center. This is an explanation of what to expect after the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in the instructions, please call us at the number below.

Supervision

For patients receiving sedation other than local anesthesia, a responsible adult will supervise the patient for 12-24 hours.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Increased frequency of urination, mild pressure or discomfort in the lower belly, blood in the urine, and/or painful urination for 7-14 days.
• Blood in the semen for 7-21 days.
• Pressure, pain, or urge to have a bowel movement when urinating and/or a small amount of blood in the stool for 4-7 days.
• Low-grade fever (temperature less than 101.5°F or 38.6°C) for 4-7 days. Call if you develop a fever greater than 101.5°F (38.6°C), are unable to urinate, or still have symptoms despite medication.
• Tenderness and/or bruising around the puncture site initially. Bruising can take 2-3 weeks to go away completely. Call immediately if you feel a lump that is growing or varies with your pulse.

If you notice slight oozing of blood at the puncture site, apply pressure, reinforce with a small dressing or Band-Aid, and decrease activity for several hours. If this fails, call the LMG Interventional Radiology Center.

If you notice a moderate amount of new, bright red blood or increased pain or swelling at the groin puncture site, lay down, place your fingers on the groin slightly above the puncture site, and hold firm pressure for 15 minutes. Stop activity and keep the leg straight. If unable to stop the bleeding with firm pressure, call 911.

Diet

Resume your normal diet. Drink plenty of fluids for 24-48 hours to flush out the x-ray contrast, unless instructed otherwise. Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after the procedure.

Activity

For Groin Procedures

Avoid strenuous activity, such as climbing long flights of stairs, for 24 hours after the procedure. No heavy lifting (greater than 15-20 pounds or 6-9 kg) for 7 days or until the puncture site heals.

Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure. Avoid baths, pools, or hot tubs for 5 days after the procedure.

For Wrist Procedures

Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm for 24 hours after the procedure. No heavy lifting (greater than 15 pounds or 6 kg) for 7 days or until the puncture site heals.

Do not drive until 24 hours after the procedure. Avoid putting the hand under water or in a pool or hot tub for 5 days. Showering and normal washing of the hand and arm are allowed.

Wound Care

Remove the bandage the day after the procedure. Gently clean the site with soap and water, then dry thoroughly. Place a new Band-Aid on the site. Wash and apply a new Band-Aid daily for three days. Avoid powders or lotions on the puncture site for 5 days to prevent infection.

Call the LMG Interventional Radiology Center if there is redness, increasing tenderness, swelling, or an enlarging hard lump at the puncture site.

Medication

Resume all previous medications except Metformin (Glucophage). Restart Metformin 48 hours after the procedure.

Most patients will receive the following medications:

• Antibiotic (Bactrim or Ciprofloxacin): Start after the procedure when you get home.
• Ibuprofen/Motrin: Start after the procedure when you get home.
• Pyridium (Azo): Start after the procedure when you get home. Pyridium may turn your urine and tears orange for a few days. Avoid using contact lenses during this time.
• Colace/stool softener: Start after the procedure when you get home.
• Medrol dose pack (methylprednisolone): Start the day after the procedure.

If Questions or Concerns

Monday-Friday, 7:30am — 3:30pm: Please call our office at 703-783-5355.

Urgent after hours/weekend: Please text Dr. Piechowiak directly at 716-481-7464.

Contact Information

• 19415 Deerfield Avenue, Suite 112, Lansdowne, VA 20176, Phone: 703-724-1195
• 1860 Town Center Drive, Suites 150 & 160, Reston, VA 20190, Phone: 703-480-0220
• 224-D Cornwall Street, N.W., Suite 400, Leesburg, VA 20176, Phone: 703-443-6733
• 24430 Stone Springs Blvd, Suite 100B, Dulles, VA 20166, Phone: 703-957-1022
• 1801 Robert Fulton Drive, Suite 510, Reston, VA 20191, Phone: 703-783-5355
• Email: [email protected]