Prostatic Artery Embolization: A Promising Technique in the Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
BACKGROUND
Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has recently started to be viewed as a promising technology that could be an alternative to different treatment options of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially in high-risk patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAE in BPH patients who are at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia.


METHODS
Between June 2013 and February 2015, BPH patients >50 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refractory to BPH-related medical therapy or had an indwelling urethral catheter due to refractory urine retention were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients were at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia. The PAE was performed and the embolising material used was biosphere 300-500 µm particles. Pre- and 1, 3, 9 months post-intervention, all patients were assessed by detailed medical history, physical examination, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetry, and abdominal and transrectal ultrasonography.


RESULTS
Twenty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 72.50 years and a mean prostate volume of 77.30 ± 14.89 cm3 were included. The PAE procedure was successful in all patients. Throughout the period of follow-up, there was a significant improvement in the LUTS and urinary flow rate, and reduction in prostate volume and serum PSA (for all p < 0.001). No major complications were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results show that BPH patients with failed medical treatment who are at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia could be treated safely and effectively through PAE.
Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
Ahmed H
AH
Gabr
Mohamed F
MF
Gabr
Basheer N
BN
Elmohamady
Abul-Fotouh
AF
Ahmed
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001158:Arteries; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011467:Prostate / Q000098:blood supply*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome