Prostatic Artery Embolization Safe, Effective for BPH

Early trial results suggest that prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a safe and effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), according to findings published online ahead of print in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

The trial, by Sandeep Bagla, MD, of Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, Va., and colleagues, reported findings from 20 BPH patients who underwent PAE. Embolization was technically successful in 18 (90%) and clinical success was observed in 19 (95%) at one month, with average American Urological Association symptom score improvements of 10.8 points at one month, 12.1 points at three months, and 9.8 points at six months. No minor or major complications were reported.

“Unsuccessful embolizations were secondary to atherosclerotic occlusion of prostatic arteries,” the authors noted.

From the December 01, 2013 Issue of Renal and Urology News