In a nutshell
This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) to treat lower urinary tract symptoms caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It concluded that PAE is safe and effective to treat BPH.
Some background
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can affect bladder function and have a negative impact on quality of life. Treatments for BPH may include medication or surgery to remove excess prostate tissue. Medications for BPH often result in many side effects while surgery can lead to complications.
PAE works by blocking the artery that provides the prostate with nutrients. This blockage causes the prostate to shrink and reduce in size. This may be an effective way to treat an enlarged prostate.
Methods & findings
45 men with BPH were included in this study. The men were followed for 1 year after PAE. They were assessed at the beginning of the study and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. The men were assessed using questionnaires to examine their quality of life, erectile function and urinary function. Prostate size was assessed using MRI scans at the beginning of the study and at 6 months after surgery.
Symptoms, quality of life and urinary function had improved at both 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Symptoms and quality of life had improved at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Reductions in prostate size also occurred.
No serious complications occurred but some more common complications were noted. Complications included dysuria (pain when urinating), hematuria (blood in urine), hematospermia (blood in semen), weak urine flow and poor urine frequency (urinating less often).
The bottom line
This study concluded that PAE is safe and effective in treating lower urinary tract symptoms caused by BPH.
The fine print
The authors note that this study's participants were not picked at random. This may affect the study's results.
What’s next?
If you are interested in learning more about Prostate Artery Embolization, contact your doctor.
Published By :
Urology
Date :
Jul 20, 2018
