Safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization for large benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly patients

To assess the safety and efficacy of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for elderly patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to large benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Twenty-eight patients (>80 years of age) with prostate volume >80 mL were enrolled from October 2016 to October 2019. PAE was performed using microspheres and functional results were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The following data were recorded: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine volume, prostate volume and total prostate-specific antigen level.

Selective prostatic arterial catheterization and embolization were achieved in 27 of 28 patients. Follow-up data were available for those 27 patients until 12 months postoperatively. Significant improvements were found at all postoperative time points in terms of the mean IPSS, mean QoL score, mean Qmax, mean post-void residual urine volume, mean total prostate-specific antigen level, and mean prostate volume. The overall complication rate was 46.4%.

PAE is an efficacious and safe treatment for elderly patients with large prostate volume; it may offer an effective approach for patients who are not candidates for open or endoscopic surgical procedures because of comorbidities.