Prostatic Arterial Embolization to Treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Prostatic Artery Embolization as an Alternative to Indwelling Bladder Catheterization to Manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Poor Surgical Candidates

PURPOSE

To prospectively assess discontinuation of indwelling bladder catheterization (IBC) and relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) following prostate artery embolization (PAE) in poor surgical candidates.

METHODS

Patients ineligible for surgical intervention were offered PAE after at least 1 month of IBC for management of urinary retention secondary to BPH; exclusion criteria for PAE included eligibility for surgery, active bladder cancer or known prostate cancer. Embolization technical and clinical success were defined as bilateral prostate embolization and removal of IBC, respectively. Patients were followed for at least 6 months and evaluated for International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, prostate size and uroflowmetric parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients were enrolled; bilateral embolization was performed in 33 (76.7%), unilateral embolization was performed in 8 (18.6%), and two patients could not be embolized due to tortuous and atherosclerotic pelvic vasculature (4.7%). Among the patients who were embolized, mean prostate size decreased from 75.6 ± 33.2 to 63.0 ± 23.2 g (sign rank p = 0.0001, mean reduction of 19.6 ± 17.3%), and IBC removal was achieved in 33 patients (80.5%). Clavien II complications were reported in nine patients (21.9%) and included urinary tract infection (three patients, 7.3%) and recurrent acute urinary retention (six patients, 14.6%). Nine patients (22.0%) experienced post-embolization syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

PAE is a safe and feasible for the relief of LUTS and IBC in highly comorbid patients without surgical treatment options.

Prostate Artery Embolization for Complete Urinary Outflow Obstruction Due to Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PAE in weaning of catheter and relieving obstructive urinary symptoms in patients with acute urinary retention (AUR) due to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and failed trial without catheter (TWOC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study approved by the institutional review board, a signed informed consent was obtained. Eighteen consecutive patients with AUR due to BPH and failed TWOC were recruited. Nineteen consecutive patients with BPH but without AUR were recruited as a control. Patients with CTA evidence of arterial occlusion or significant stenosis along the prostate artery access path were excluded. PAE was performed using microspheres (100-300 μm diameter). Outcome assessment included successful weaning of catheter in 2 weeks, procedure-related complications, change of symptomatology and urodynamic findings at 1 month as compared to baseline, percent non-perfused prostate volume, and prostate volume reduction on MRI at 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Two patients in the study group and four in the control group were excluded due to arterial pathology. Embolization of bilateral prostate arteries was achieved in all patients in both the groups (100%). There was no complication. The catheter was successfully weaned in 87.5% (14/16) of patients within 14 days in the treatment group. There was no significant difference in patient demographics, prostate characteristics, and all outcome assessment parameters between both the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PAE was probably safe and effective in weaning of catheter and relieving obstructive urinary symptoms in patients due to BPH, with treatment outcomes comparable to those without AUR.

Efficacy and safety of prostate artery embolization on lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is emerging and is a promising minimally invasive therapy that improves lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The purpose of this article was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAE on LUTS related to BPH.

Materials and methods

A literature review was performed to identify all published articles of PAE for BPH. The sources included MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library from 1980 to 2016. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. The outcome measurements were combined by calculating the mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Statistical analysis was carried out using Review Manager 5.3.0.

Results

Twelve studies involving 840 participants were included. Compared with baseline, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5; International Prostate Symptom Score) scores, the quality of life scores, peak urinary flow rate (Q_max) and postvoid residual volume all had significant improvements during the 24-month follow-up (all P<0.00001). Both prostate volume (PV) and prostate-specific antigen had significant decrease during the 12-month follow-up (P<0.00001 and P=0.005, respectively), except postoperative 24 months (P=0.47 and P=0.32, respectively). The IIEF-5 short form scores had significant increase at postoperative 6 months (P=0.002) and 12 months (P<0.0001), except postoperative 1 month (P=0.23) and 24 months (P=0.21). For large volume (PV ≥80 mL) BPH, the results were similar. There were no life-threatening complications.

Conclusion

PAE is an effective, safe and well-tolerable treatment for LUTS related to BPH, including large volume (PV ≥80 mL) BPH, with a good short-term follow-up. Studies with large number of cases and longer follow-up time are needed to validate our results.

Review of Current Literature for Prostatic Artery Embolization

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is an emerging, novel interventional technique in the management of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common clinical condition in middle-aged and elderly men resulting in LUTS, including nocturia, urinary frequency, urgency, decreased urinary flow rates, hesitancy, and incomplete bladder emptying. Traditionally, LUTSs have been managed by medical or surgical therapies. Since the initial incidental discovery that selective PAE performed for uncontrolled bleeding secondary to BPH resulted in improved LUTS, the technique has continually evolved with a growing body of evidence supporting its safety and efficacy. However, despite the available data, PAE has yet to be established as a standard-of-care treatment option for patients with LUTS/BPH. In this article, the authors review the history and current state of PAE, including published data from case reports, animal studies, retrospective/prospective cohort studies, and prospective randomized controlled trials.

Comparative Study Using 100-300 Versus 300-500 μm Microspheres for Symptomatic Patients Due to Enlarged-BPH Prostates

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study was to compare safety and efficacy outcomes following prostate artery embolization (PAE) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with 100-300 versus 300-500 μm tris-acryl gelatin microspheres.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were prospectively treated between August 2011 and June 2013 to receive PAE with 100-300 μm (group A) or 300-500 μm (group B) tris-acryl gelatin microspheres. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months and were assessed for changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) index, prostate volume determined by magnetic resonance imaging, serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), and maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), as well as any treatment-related adverse events.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included in each group, and PAE was technically successful in all cases. Both groups experienced significant improvement in mean IPSS, QoL, prostate volume, PSA, and Qmax (p < 0.05 for all). The differences observed between the two groups included a marginally insignificant more adverse events (p = 0.066) and greater mean serum PSA reduction at 3 months of follow-up (p = 0.056) in group A.

CONCLUSIONS

Both 100-300 and 300-500 μm microspheres are safe and effective embolic agents for PAE to treat LUTS-related to BPH. Although functional and imaging outcomes did not differ significantly following use of the two embolic sizes, the greater incidence of adverse events with 100-300 μm microspheres suggests that 300-500 μm embolic materials may be more appropriate.

Prostatic Artery Embolization: A Promising Technique in the Treatment of High-Risk Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has recently started to be viewed as a promising technology that could be an alternative to different treatment options of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), especially in high-risk patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PAE in BPH patients who are at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between June 2013 and February 2015, BPH patients >50 years with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refractory to BPH-related medical therapy or had an indwelling urethral catheter due to refractory urine retention were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients were at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia. The PAE was performed and the embolising material used was biosphere 300-500 µm particles. Pre- and 1, 3, 9 months post-intervention, all patients were assessed by detailed medical history, physical examination, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), uroflowmetry, and abdominal and transrectal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Twenty-two consecutive patients with a mean age of 72.50 years and a mean prostate volume of 77.30 ± 14.89 cm3 were included. The PAE procedure was successful in all patients. Throughout the period of follow-up, there was a significant improvement in the LUTS and urinary flow rate, and reduction in prostate volume and serum PSA (for all p < 0.001). No major complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that BPH patients with failed medical treatment who are at high risk for surgery and/or anesthesia could be treated safely and effectively through PAE.

Medium- and Long-Term Outcome of Prostate Artery Embolization for Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Results in 630 Patients

PURPOSE

To confirm that prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has a positive medium- and long-term effect in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2009 and October 2014, 630 consecutive patients with BPH and moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms refractory to medical therapy for at least 6 months or who refused any medical therapy underwent PAE. Outcome parameters were evaluated at baseline; 1, 3, and 6 months; every 6 months between 1 and 3 years; and yearly thereafter up to 6.5 years.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 65.1 years ± 8.0 (range, 40-89 y). There were 12 (1.9%) technical failures. Bilateral PAE was performed in 572 (92.6%) patients and unilateral PAE was performed in 46 (7.4%) patients. The cumulative clinical success rates at medium- and long-term follow-up were 81.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 78.3%-84.9%) and 76.3% (95% CI, 68.6%-82.4%). There was a statistically significant (P < .0001) change from baseline to last observed value in all clinical parameters: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life (QOL), prostate volume, prostate-specific antigen, urinary maximal flow rate, postvoid residual, and International Index of Erectile Function. There were 2 major complications without sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

PAE had a positive effect on IPSS, QOL, and all objective outcomes in symptomatic BPH. The medium- (1-3 y) and long-term (> 3-6.5 y) clinical success rates were 81.9% and 76.3%, with no urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction reported.

Predictors of Clinical Outcome after Prostate Artery Embolization with Spherical and Nonspherical Polyvinyl Alcohol Particles in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Purpose To assess predictors of outcome after prostate artery embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia with spherical particle polyvinyl alcohol (sPVA) and compare outcomes with the use of nonspherical particle polyvinyl alcohol (nsPVA). Materials and Methods This was a single-center retrospective institutional review board-approved study conducted from 2009 to 2015 in patients undergoing PAE with sPVA (n = 186; mean age ± standard deviation, 65.5 years ± 7.7) and nsPVA (n = 300; mean age, 65.3 years ± 7.6). The two cohorts were compared and analyzed for predictors of outcome with a Cox proportional hazards model and linear regression. Post-PAE prostate ischemia was measured with contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in 23 patients with nsPVA and 25 patients with sPVA. The 24-hour post-PAE prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was registered in 133 patients with sPVA. Prognostic values of MR imaging and PSA levels 24 hours after PAE were assessed with Cox and random-effects regressions. Results Predictors of clinical failure were older age (age over 65 years, P = .002), unilateral procedure (P = .002), and higher baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS, P = .033). Adjusted hazard ratio for clinical failure of sPVA was 1.273 (P = .16). Acute urinary retention was a predictor of lower IPSS after PAE (P = .002). The mean proportion of prostate ischemia was 11% with sPVA and 10% with nsPVA (P = .65). Lower IPSS after PAE was associated with a higher proportion of prostate ischemia (P = .009). Patients with a PSA level of at least 75 ng/mL (75 μg/L) 24 hours after PAE had a greater decrease in IPSS (P = .01). Prostate ischemic volume and PSA level 24 hours after PAE were correlated (Pearson r = 0.64, P = .014). Conclusion Clinical outcome was similar after PAE with sPVA and nsPVA. Younger age (up to 65 years), bilateral PAE, lower baseline IPSS, and acute urinary retention were predictors of better clinical outcome. The PSA level 24 hours after PAE correlated with prostate ischemia, and both correlated with clinical outcome. (©) RSNA, 2016.

Automatic three-dimensional detection of prostatic arteries using cone-beam CT during prostatic arterial embolization

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the automatic three-dimensional detection of prostatic arteries (PAs) with the use of dual-phase cone-beam computed tomography (CT) imaging and vessel-tracking software during prostatic artery (PA) embolization (PAE). In six patients, six right PAs and five left PAs were detected by using the software (sensitivity, 92%). The false-positive arteries (right side, 14%; left side, 25%) were deleted after cone-beam CT review. Automatic software detection of PAs from cone-beam CT may permit identification of the PA during PAE.

Prostatic Artery Embolization After Failed Urological Interventions for Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Case Series of Three Patients

Benign prostate obstruction with associated lower urinary tract symptoms is a common diagnosis with multiple minimally invasive treatment options available. Herein, the authors describe three patients who failed prior different urological interventions who underwent prostate artery embolization with a subsequent improvement in symptoms. The positive response suggests that embolization may be an effective treatment alternative in this subset of patients.

Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) for Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Part 2, Insights into the Technical Rationale

Rationale of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia is conventionally believed to include two parts: shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland as a result of PAE-induced ischemic infarction and potential effects to relax the increased prostatic smooth muscle tone by reducing the number and density of α1-adrenergic receptor in the prostate stroma. This review describes new insights into the likely mechanisms behind PAE, such as ischemia-induced apoptosis, apoptosis enhanced by blockage of androgens circulation to the embolized prostate, secondary denervation following PAE, and potential effect of nitric oxide pathway immediately after embolization. Studies on therapeutic mechanisms in PAE may shed light on potentially new treatment strategies and development of novel techniques.

Can prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE) reduce the volume of the peripheral zone? MRI evaluation of zonal anatomy and infarction after PAE

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE) on various prostate gland anatomical zones.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed paired MRI scans obtained before and after PAE for 25 patients and evaluated changes in volumes of the median lobe (ML), central gland (CG), peripheral zone (PZ) and whole prostate gland (WPV) following PAE. We used manual segmentation to calculate volume on axial view T2-weighted images for ML, CG and WPV. We calculated PZ volume by subtracting CG volume from WPV. Enhanced phase on dynamic contrasted-enhanced MRI was used to evaluate the infarction areas after PAE. Clinical results of International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function questionnaires and the urodynamic study were evaluated before and after PAE.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in volume were observed after PAE for ML (26.2 % decrease), CG (18.8 %), PZ (16.4 %) and WPV (19.1 %; p < 0.001 for all these volumes). Patients with clinical failure had smaller volume reductions for WPV, ML and CG (all p < 0.05). Patients with significant CG infarction after PAE displayed larger WPV, ML and CG volume reductions (all p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

PAE can significantly decrease WPV, ML, CG and PZ volumes, and poor clinical outcomes are associated with smaller volume reductions.

KEY POINTS

• The MRI segmentation method provides detailed comparisons of prostate volume change. • Prostatic arterial embolisation (PAE) decreased central gland and peripheral zone volumes. • Prostates with infarction after PAE showed larger decreases in volume. • A larger decrease in prostate volume is associated with clinical success.

Clinical Results After Prostatic Artery Embolization Using the PErFecTED Technique: A Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has been performed for a few years, but there is no report on PAE using the PErFecTED technique outside from the team that initiated this approach.

OBJECTIVE

This single-center retrospective open label study reports our experience and clinical results on patients suffering from symptomatic BPH, who underwent PAE aiming at using the PErFecTED technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We treated 32 consecutive patients, mean age 65 (52-84 years old) between December 2013 and January 2015. Patients were referred for PAE after failure of medical treatment and refusal or contra-indication to surgery. They were treated using the PErFecTED technique, when feasible, with 300-500 µm calibrated microspheres (two-night hospital stay or outpatient procedure). Follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

We had a 100% immediate technical success of embolization (68% of feasibility of the PErFecTED technique) with no immediate complications. After a mean follow-up of 7.7 months, we observed a 78% rate of clinical success. Mean IPSS decreased from 15.3 to 4.2 (p = .03), mean QoL from 5.4 to 2 (p = .03), mean Qmax increased from 9.2 to 19.2 (p = .25), mean prostatic volume decreased from 91 to 62 (p = .009) mL. There was no retrograde ejaculation and no major complication.

CONCLUSION

PAE using the PErFecTED technique is a safe and efficient technique to treat bothersome LUTS related to BPH. It is of interest to note that the PErFecTED technique cannot be performed in some cases for anatomical reasons.

Use of MRI for Lobar Classification of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Potential Phenotypic Biomarkers for Research on Treatment Strategies

OBJECTIVE

We present an MRI classification of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for use as a phenotype biomarker in the study of proposed therapeutic interventions.

CONCLUSION

Six patterns of BPH distribution were identified. Illustrations are provided for each classification type.

Intra-vesical Prostatic Protrusion (IPP) Can Be Reduced by Prostatic Artery Embolization

BACKGROUND

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is a new approach to improve lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. PAE results in global reduction of prostate volume (PV). There are no data available on the efficacy of PAE in reducing intra-vesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), an anatomic feature that is clinically related with bladder outlet obstruction and LUTS.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the results of PAE in patients with significant IPP due to median lobe hyperplasia and to compare the IPSS decrease and IPP change.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Prospective analysis of 18 consecutive patients with significant IPP (>5 mm) related to median lobe hyperplasia undergoing PAE using 30-500-μm-calibrated trisacryl microspheres. We measured IPP on sagittal T2-weighted images before and 3 months after PAE. IPSS and clinical results were also evaluated at 3 months.

RESULTS

PAE resulted in significant IPP reduction (1.57 cm ± 0.55 before PAE and 1.30 cm ± 0.46 after PAE, p = 0.0005) (Fig. 1) with no complication. IPSS, quality of life (QoL), total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and PV showed significant reduction after PAE, and maximum urinary flow rate (Q max) showed significant increase after PAE. No significant change of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for clinical evaluation after PAE. A significant correlation was found between the IPP change and the IPSS change (r = 0.636, p = 0.0045).

CONCLUSION

Patients had significant IPP reduction as well as significant symptomatic improvement after PAE, and these improvements were positively correlated.

Radiological Findings of Prostatic Arterial Anatomy for Prostatic Arterial Embolization: Preliminary Study in 55 Chinese Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objective

To describe the prostatic arterial supply using Cone-beam computed tomography (CT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods

In a retrospective study from January 2012 to January 2014, 55 male patients (110 hemipelves) with BPH who underwent PAE were evaluated by Cone-beam CT in addition to pelvic DSA during embolization planning. Each hemipelvis was evaluated regarding the number of prostatic arteries (PA) and their origins, diameters, territorial perfusion, and anastomoses with adjacent arteries.

Results

A total of 114 PAs were identified in 110 hemipelves. There was one PA in 96.4% of the hemipelves (n=106), and two independent PAs in the other 3.6% (n=4). The PA was found to originate from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery in 39.5% of cases (n=45) , from the superior vesical artery in 32.6% (n=37), and from the internal pudendal artery in 27.9% of cases (n=32). Extra-prostatic anastomoses between PA and adjacent arteries were found in 39.1% of hemipelves (n=43). Intra-prostatic anastomoses between PAs and contra-lateral prostatic branches were found in 61.8% of hemipelves (n=68). In 67.3% of our study population (n=37), the prostate was dominantly supplied via a unilateral PA.

Conclusion

The prostatic vascularization is complex with frequent anatomic variations. Knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the prostate may provide indications for planning PAE and avoiding nontarget embolization.

Prostatic arterial embolization for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to large (>80 mL) benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of midterm follow-up from Chinese population

Background

Currently, large prostate size (>80 mL) of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) still pose technical challenges for surgical treatment. This prospective study was designed to explore the safety and efficacy of prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) as an alternative treatment for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to largeBPH.

Methods

A total of 117 patients with prostates >80 mL were included in the study; all were failure of medical treatment and unsuited for surgery. PAE was performed using combination of 50-μm and 100-μm particles in size, under local anaesthesia by a unilateral femoral approach. Clinical follow-up was performed using the international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), peak urinary flow (Qmax), post-void residual volume (PVR), international index of erectile function short form (IIEF-5), prostatic specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic volume (PV) measured by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, at 1, 3, 6 and every 6 months thereafter.

Results

The prostatic artery origins in this study population were different from previously published results. PAE was technically successful in 109 of 117 patients (93.2%). Follow-up data were available for the 105 patients with a mean follow-up of 24 months. The clinical improvements in IPSS, QoL, Qmax, PVR, and PV at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months was 94.3%, 94.3%, 93.3%, 92.6%, and 91.7%, respectively. The mean IPSS (pre-PAE vs post-PAE 26.0 vs 9.0; P < .0.01), the mean QoL (5.0 vs 3.0; P < 0.01), the mean Qmax (8.5 vs 14.5; P < 0.01), the mean PVR (125.0 vs 40.0; P < 0.01), and PV (118.0 vs 69.0, with a mean reduction of 41.5%; P < 0.01 ) at 24-month after PAE were significantly different with respect to baseline. The mean IIEF-5 was not statistically different from baseline. No major complications were noted.

Conclusions

PAE is a safe and effective treatment method for patients with LUTS due to large volume BPH. PAE may play an important role in patients in whom medical therapy has failed, who are not candidates for open surgery or TURP or refuse any surgical treatment.

Robotic assisted laparoscopic simple suprapubic prostatectomy - The Smith Institute for Urology experience with an evolving technique

Objective

Despite a multitude of minimally invasive surgical options available for benign prostatic enlargement, open simple prostatectomy (OSP) remains the standard for large prostates (typically greater than 100 g). OSP, however, is associated with significant morbidity. Recently, a few reports touting robotic application to simple prostatectomy have been published. Herein, we reviewed our series of robotic assisted laparoscopic simple suprapubic prostatectomy (RALSSP) and detailed modifications in our technique as our experience increased.

Methods

All RALSSP cases performed between January 2013 and January 2014 were reviewed for demographics, pre-operative features, and perioperative outcomes. All parameters were tabulated and mean values were calculated. Student's t-test was utilized with p < 0.05 deemed significant. Details regarding surgical technique were reviewed and highlighted.

Results

Fifteen patients underwent RALSSP during this period. Mean age of these men was 68.7 years. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.5 kg/m². American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was on average 2.6. Average International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was 16.2 with the majority of men experiencing some adverse clinical sequela of such benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For those patients not in retention, preoperative post-void residual (PVR) was 428 mL. All patients underwent successful RALSSP without need for conversion or need for blood transfusion. Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 290 mL. Five patients underwent other concurrent procedures (e.g., cystolithotomy). Mean length of hospital stay (LOS) was 2.4 days and only five patients required continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) postoperatively. Postoperative PVR improved to a mean of 33 mL and IPSS improved to 4.5 (p < 0.001). No major complications were identified. Adaptation of low transverse cystotomy, utilization of a robotic tenaculum in the #3 arm with its control by a surgeon on a second console, and the utilization of mucosal advancement have all subjectively aided in performance of RALSSP and perioperative outcomes.

Conclusion

RALSSP allows for feasible performance of prostate adenoma enucleation with low risk of blood transfusion, short LOS, and significant improvement in IPSS and PVR; all while maintaining a minimally invasive approach. The use of a robotic tenaculum controlled by the secondary console and the mucosal advancement facilitate excellent outcomes and may play a role in minimizing hematuria and need for CBI.

Intraprostatic hematoma with active bleeding post-prostate biopsy

To the best of our knowledge, we report the first known case of a large intraprostatic hematoma with active bleeding following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.

Endoluminal occlusion devices: technology update

Endoluminal occlusion has been performed since the early beginning of interventional radiology. Over recent decades, major technological advances have improved the techniques used and different devices have been developed for changing conditions. Most of these occlusion devices have been implemented in the vascular territory. Early embolization materials included glass particles, hot contrast, paraffin, fibrin, and tissue fragments such as muscle fibers and blood clots; today, occlusion materials include metallic devices, particles, and liquid materials, which can be indicated for proximal or distal occlusion, high-flow and low-flow situations, and in large-caliber and small-caliber vessels, based on need. Technological progress has led to a decreased size of delivery catheters, and an increase in safety due to release systems that permit the withdrawing and replacement of embolization material. Furthermore, bioactive embolization materials have been developed to increase the efficacy of embolization or the biological effect of medication. Finally, materials have been modified for changing indications. Intravascular stents were initially developed to keep an artery open; however, by adding a covering membrane, these stents can be used to occlude the wall of a vessel or other endoluminal structures. This article gives an overview of the devices most utilized for occlusion of endoluminal structures, as well as their major purpose in the endovascular territory.

MRI findings after prostatic artery embolization for treatment of benign hyperplasia

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to assess and describe the MRI findings after prostatic artery embolization for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 17 patients who underwent prostatic artery embolization as part of different prospective studies to evaluate this alternative treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical results were evaluated by assessment of urinary catheterization and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Serial MRI examinations were performed, and the prostatic central gland and peripheral zone were evaluated for signal intensity changes and the presence and characteristics of infarcted areas. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA for repeated measures and Student t test.

RESULTS

All patients had clinical success, as defined by the removal of indwelling urinary catheter or decreased IPSS after embolization. Infarcts were seen in 70.6% of the subjects, exclusively in the central gland, were almost always characterized by hyperintensity on T1-weighted images and predominant hypointensity on T2-weighted images, and became smaller (mean reduction, p < 0.001) and isointense to the remaining of the central gland over time. Volume reduction of the prostate after embolization was significant (averaging 32.0% after 12-18 months; p < 0.001) only in patients with infarcts. No statistically significant association was seen between the development of infarcts and IPSS.

CONCLUSION

MRI can be used for assessing the development of infarcts and volume reduction in the prostate after embolization. Further studies are needed to correlate these findings to clinical outcome.

Prostatic artery embolization in benign prostatic hyperplasia: preliminary results in 13 patients

AIM

The aim of the paper is to report the clinical outcome after prostatic artery embolisation (PAE) in 13 consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From May 2012 to October 2013, we performed PAE in 13 consecutive patients (mean age 75.9 years) with BPH and LUTS and refractory to medical therapy; seven patients had an indwelling bladder catheter. Clinical follow-up (mean follow-up time 244 days) was performed using the international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), the international index of erectile function (IIEF), blood prostatic specific antigen (PSA) testing and transrectal prostatic ultrasound (US) scan with volume and weight calculation at 3, 6 and 12 months. Pre-procedural CT angiography (CTA) was done for vascular mapping. Embolisation was performed using Embosphere (300-500 micron). Technical success was defined when selective prostatic arterial embolisation was completed in at least one pelvic side. Clinical success was defined when symptoms and quality of life were improved.

RESULTS

PAE was technically successful in 12/13 patients (92%). In one patient, PAE was not performed because of tortuosity and atherosclerosis of iliac arteries. PAE was completed bilaterally in 9/13 (75%) patients and unilaterally in three (27%). All patients removed the bladder catheter from 4 days to 4 weeks after PAE. We obtained a reduction in IPSS (mean, 17.1 points), an increase in IIEF (mean, 2.6 points), an improvement in Qol (mean, 2.6 points) and a volume reduction (mean, 28%) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with the literature, our experience showed the feasibility, safety and efficacy of PAE in the management of patients with LUTS related to BPH. PAE may play an important role in patients in whom medical therapy has failed, who are not candidates for surgery or transurethral prostatic resection (TURP) or refuse any surgical treatment. Larger case series and comparative studies with standard TURP can confirm the validity of the technique.