prostate artery embolisation (PAE) for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Last edited 12/2018

Prostatic artery embolization

• radiological procedure to reduce prostatic size by inducing ischaemia
  
  
• usually done using local anaesthesia. Under X-ray guidance, the prostate is approached through the left or right femoral artery. Super-selective catheterisation of the small prostatic arteries is done using fine microcatheters through the pelvic arteries. Embolisation involves the introduction of microparticles to completely block the prostatic vessels. Embolisation agents include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and other newer synthetic biocompatible materials
  
  
• aim of prostate artery embolisation is to reduce the prostate's blood supply, causing some of it to undergo necrosis and shrink
  • common for patients to experience pelvic pain during and after the procedure. This does not usually last more than 1 to 3 days
  • potential benefits of prostate artery embolisation compared with surgery include fewer complications, avoiding a general anaesthetic and it may be done as a day case procedure

Reference:

• NICE (April 2018). Prostate artery embolisation for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia