Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Cancer: An Office Procedure
Published on: March 30, 2021
A Systematic Review of Prostatic Artery Embolization in the Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Michelle Kuang1, Anthony Vu1, Sriharsha Athreya2,3
1Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Insights
Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) effectively treats lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the short and intermediate term, showing significant improvements in key health indicators.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Interventional Radiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
- Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an emerging minimally invasive treatment option for BPH.
- Evidence on PAE outcomes and complications requires systematic summarization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize current evidence on the efficacy and safety of PAE for treating LUTS secondary to BPH.
- To assess the outcomes and complications associated with PAE in a large patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) up to August 2015.
- Inclusion criteria involved peer-reviewed studies of PAE for BPH with >10 patients and measured parameters.
- Two independent reviewers applied criteria, resolving disagreements by consensus.
Main Results:
- Ten studies involving 788 patients with moderate to severe LUTS were included.
- Significant improvements were observed in prostatic volume (PV), post-void residual (PVR), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL) at 6, 12, and 24 months post-procedure.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) showed no significant change at 6 months but improved at 12 and 24 months. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) remained unchanged at 6 and 12 months, with a significant reduction at 24 months.
Conclusions:
- PAE demonstrates effectiveness in improving LUTS associated with BPH in the short and intermediate term.
- The procedure leads to significant volumetric and symptomatic improvements in patients with BPH.
- Further long-term data is needed to fully assess sustained efficacy and potential late complications.
Purpose:
To summarize current evidence on outcomes and complications of prostatic artery embolization as a treatment for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Methods And Materials:
A database search of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed for published literature up to August 2015 concerning PAE in the treatment of BPH. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied by two independent reviewers, and disagreements were resolved by consensus. Peer-reviewed studies concerning PAE with BPH with a sample size >10 and at least one measured parameter were included.
Results:
The search yielded 193 articles, of which ten studies representing 788 patients, with a mean age of 66.97 years, were included. Patients had LUTS ranging from moderate to severe. At 6 months following procedure, PV, PVR, Qmax, IPSS, and QoL were significantly improved (P < 0.05), while for PSA there was no significant change. At 12 and 24 months, PV, PSA, PVR, Qmax, IPSS, and QoL were significantly improved (P < 0.05). IIEF was unchanged at 6 and 12 months but was significantly reduced at 24 months.
Conclusion:
This suggests that PAE is effective in treating LUTS in the short and intermediate term.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...