Abstract
Prostate artery embolization (PAE) has emerged over the past two decades as a minimally
invasive, nonsurgical treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). While the
majority of evidence for PAE stems from retrospective cohort studies, several seminal
randomized controlled trials have been performed comparing short-term outcomes of
PAE to transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and against a sham procedure. Across
clinical trials, PAE demonstrates consistent improvement in urological symptoms and
quality of life in patients with BPH with low complication rates. When compared to
TURP, the results are comparable, but there is a trend for better outcomes in certain
clinical parameters with TURP. PAE is a suitable option for patients who are not surgical
candidates, prefer nonsurgical treatment with an earlier return to routine activities,
and wish to better preserve sexual function.
Keywords
prostate artery embolization - benign prostatic hypertrophy - lower urinary tract
symptoms - transurethral resection prostate - prostate - embolization - interventional
radiology
