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Protection of nontarget structures in prostatic artery embolization
Bruna Ferreira Pilan1, André Moreira de Assis1, Airton Mota Moreira1
1Radiology Department, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Radiologia Brasileira
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Protective embolization during prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is safe and effective. This technique reduces nontarget embolization without impacting PAE outcomes for benign prostatic hyperplasia, improving patient symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Urology
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
- Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an effective treatment for BPH.
- Nontarget embolization is a potential complication of PAE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of protective embolization during PAE.
- To assess the clinical relevance of this technique in reducing complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, observational, single-center study of 39 patients undergoing PAE for BPH.
- Follow-up at 3 and 12 months included symptom scores, quality of life, PSA, ultrasound, MRI, and uroflowmetry.
Main Results:
- Protective embolization was performed in 45 arteries across various locations.
- One case of nontarget embolization occurred in an unprotected artery, resulting in a penile ulcer.
- No complications were observed in protected arterial branches.
- Significant improvement in all studied outcomes (p < 0.05) and no worsening of sexual function.
Conclusions:
- Protective embolization is a safe and effective adjunct to PAE.
- It successfully reduces nontarget embolization without compromising treatment efficacy.
- The procedure is associated with expected adverse events and no new complications.
