Early experience of prostate artery embolization: a retrospective single-centre study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the early experiences of prostate artery embolization (PAE) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Material and methods: This retrospective study included all patients treated for BPH who were referred to the radiology department for PAE in Västmanland between 2018 and 2021. Data were collected on patient demographics, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prostate-specific antigen level, and peri- and post-procedure outcomes. Clinical success was defined as a decrease in the IPSS by ≤3 points or catheter freedom.

Results: A total of 96 patients (median age 74 years) underwent PAE. Before PAE, 65% of the patients were treated with α-blockers and 83% with 5α-reductase inhibitors. Clinical success was achieved in 60 patients (63%). Among catheterized patients, 33 (53%) achieved catheter freedom. In the non-catheterized group, 27 (79%) experienced clinical success. No significant differences in outcomes were observed based on the presence of a median lobe.

Conclusions: PAE appears to be a viable treatment option for BPH and may provide substantial symptom relief and catheter freedom for most patients. These findings suggest that PAE may be an effective alternative to more invasive procedures. Further research is needed to refine the patient selection criteria.