Interventional radiology societies endorse prostatic artery embolization for certain patients
The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) and numerous other societies have endorsed prostatic artery embolization (PEA) as a safe and effective method to treat an enlarged prostate in certain patients.
The Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe, the Société Française de Radiologie and the British Society of Interventional Radiology also endorsed the minimally invasive option, publishing a multisociety, multiposition statement in the May edition of SIR’s Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
“PAE … is a valuable minimally invasive option for patients who cannot tolerate medical therapy, in whom medical therapy has failed, or who are poor surgical candidates or refuse invasive surgery,” according to the position paper. “It also provides a definitive treatment option for multiple underserved patient groups who may not have satisfactory urologic treatment options.”
According to a prepared statement from the SIR, this may include older patients with many medical ailments, those with very large prostates, patients who experience bleeding from the prostate, those with long-term bladder catheters, patients who must remain on anti-coagulation therapies and patients who want to preserve sexual function.
Enlarged prostate affects 70% of men over 70. More than 20 studies have shown that patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms caused by enlargement face shorter recovery times and less complications after undergoing PAE, according to the statement.
These guidelines were also endorsed the Asia Pacific Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology, Chinese College of Interventionalists, Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia, Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology, and Korean Society of Interventional Radiology.
Read the recommendations in full here.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.