Prostatic Artery Embolization as a New Option in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – Current Evidence

Abstract

Prostatic artery embolization is a minimally invasive endovascular treatment that improves lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although further randomized studies and long-term evidence is still needed for this method to be fully incorporated into treatment guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia, current studies show that this method can be an effective and safe alternative in patients with a significantly enlarged prostate gland who are not good surgical candidates. Therefore, we present the theory, technical details and potential benefits of this method as we review the current evidence on prostatic artery embolization.

Keywords

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Arterial embolization
• Endovascular treatment
• Interventional radiology
• Lower urinary tract symptoms