Cesar Holguin – Prostatic Artery Embolization

On May 27 Cesar Holguin came to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital to have a Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) procedure. PAE is a minimally invasive treatment that can help improve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist, a doctor who uses X-ray and other imaging technology to see inside the body and treat various conditions through blood vessels, without the need for surgery.

PAE is an outpatient procedure, which means patients are in and out of the hospital in a day. Nonetheless, due to fears of COVID-19, many people are uneasy about coming to hospitals for elective procedures.

Cesar appreciated the precautions Henry Mayo took to ensure his safety. “I got tested for COVID on my own as soon as I knew I was going to have the procedure,” he said. “Then, Henry Mayo arranged for me to be tested again a few days before my procedure date. The Henry Mayo clinic where I got the second test was very clean, with a highly professional process.”

On the day of his PAE, “Everyone on the Henry Mayo team was taking precautions, doing what they had to do to keep everyone safe. They were fantastic.”

Cesar, a professor who teaches technical theater, has a family history of prostate issues, with both his father and brother having struggled with prostate conditions. Cesar’s PAE, which was performed by Henry Mayo interventional radiologist James Hill, MD, “worked really, really well,” said Cesar. “Just fantastic!

“I wished I could have shaken everyone’s hand when it was over,” he said with a smile. “I certainly felt Safe in Their Care.”