Prostatic artery embolization with glue for benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly patients: three-year results

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) using glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate, NBCA) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to obstruction or chronic urinary retention managed with an indwelling catheter (IUC).

A total of 101 patients (median age 79 years) were included, of whom 67 had LUTS and 34 had an IUC. All were treated with PAE with glue between 2021 and 2024. Clinical success was defined as either a ≥ 25% reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and a ≥ 3-point improvement in the quality of life (QoL) score or stable catheter removal.

Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, with bilateral embolization in 93% of patients. Among symptomatic patients, clinical success was observed in 92.5%, with a reduction in IPSS from 25.3 ± 8.1 to 15.3 ± 7.8 and in QoL from 4.5 ± 1.1 to 2.3 ± 1.4 at 36 months (p < 0.001). Mean prostate volume decreased by 37.6%. In patients with an IUC, 73.5% resumed spontaneous voiding within an average of 29 days. All complications (13.9%) were minor and managed conservatively.

Embolization with acrylic glue is a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to surgery for BPH, with sustained long-term results. It is particularly suitable for elderly patients with comorbidities or those unfit for surgery presenting with LUTS or chronic urinary retention.