A Patient with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated with Prostatic Arterial Embolization: Case-report with Review of the Literature from Asia.

Abstract

Prostatic artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. We report our first case of prostatic artery embolization in a 74-year-old male with urinary retention requiring intermittent catheterization. Bilateral prostatic artery embolization using Embosphere microspheres was successful, with no major complications. By 2 months post-procedure, intermittent catheterization was no longer required, and at 6 months, symptoms and prostate volume showed marked improvement. A review of Asian studies confirmed prostatic artery embolization's safety and efficacy, with clinical success in 78%-100% of cases and technical success rates comparable to those in Western countries. Despite the smaller vessel sizes in Asians, outcomes were unaffected. Prostatic artery embolization appears to be an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and requires further validation to support its broader use in Japan.