Clinical Results After Prostatic Artery Embolization Using the PErFecTED Technique: A Single-Center Study

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Urology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an established treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• The PErFecTED technique for PAE has primarily been reported by its originating team.
• This study evaluates the PErFecTED technique's application and outcomes in a broader clinical setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the clinical experience and outcomes of PAE utilizing the PErFecTED technique in patients with symptomatic BPH.
• To assess the feasibility and efficacy of the PErFecTED technique in a single-center retrospective study.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 32 consecutive BPH patients treated with PAE using the PErFecTED technique (December 2013 - January 2015).
• Patients received PAE after medical treatment failure or surgical contraindications, using 300-500 µm microspheres.
• Follow-up assessments included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and prostatic volume at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Main Results:

• 100% immediate technical success for embolization; 68% feasibility of the PErFecTED technique.
• Mean follow-up of 7.7 months showed a 78% clinical success rate.
• Significant improvements observed: IPSS (15.3 to 4.2), QoL (5.4 to 2), and prostatic volume (91 to 62 mL). Mean Qmax increased from 9.2 to 19.2 L/s.
• No reported cases of retrograde ejaculation or major complications.

Conclusions:

• PAE with the PErFecTED technique is a safe and effective treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH.
• The PErFecTED technique offers a viable alternative for BPH management, demonstrating significant symptom relief and objective improvements.
• Anatomical variations can preclude the use of the PErFecTED technique in certain patients.