Greenville Reporter

Marvin Mullen, an 81-year-old retiree from eastern North Carolina, faced significant lifestyle changes after being diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 2024. This condition, which affects around three million men annually, involves the enlargement of the prostate gland and disrupts urinary flow. Despite his active lifestyle as a former forensic scientist and golf enthusiast, Mullen found himself unable to enjoy activities he once loved.

Mullen described how BPH affected his life: “My whole lifestyle changed,” he said. He avoided events due to bathroom concerns and even altered travel plans to accommodate frequent restroom stops.

Seeking alternatives to traditional surgery, Mullen consulted Dr. Karl Chiang at ECU Health. Dr. Chiang recommended prostate artery embolization (PAE), a minimally invasive procedure using advanced imaging technologies to treat BPH without surgery.

“This procedure is a game changer,” stated Dr. Chiang, noting that PAE offers an alternative for patients who do not qualify for surgery or fear its side effects. He has been performing PAE since 2024 and is the only interventional radiologist in the region offering this treatment.

After undergoing PAE in June 2024, Mullen experienced immediate improvements. “After a couple of days, it was hardly an issue anymore,” he reported. Within months, his symptoms significantly improved, allowing him to resume activities like golfing and traveling.

“There’s no question that I would do this all over again,” Mullen affirmed, recommending others consider PAE if eligible.

Dr. Chiang hopes more patients will benefit from PAE at ECU Health. While not everyone qualifies for the procedure, he emphasizes its potential for those struggling with BPH: “If you’re struggling with BPH, my advice is simple: call your urologist.”

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