To investigate clinical benefits and safety of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in patients with prostate volume ≥80 cm³ and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) ≥2 and affected by benign prostatic obstruction (BPO).

From January 2009 to January 2012, PAE was performed in 88 consecutive patients affected by clinical BPO. Inclusion criteria were symptomatic BPO refractory to medical treatment, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥12, total prostate volume (TPV) ≥80 cm³, Qmax <15 mL/s, and CCI ≥2. Primary end points were the reduction of 7 points of the IPSS and the increase of Qmax. Secondary end points were the reduction of TPV, postvoid residue (PVR), prostate-specific antigen (PSA), International Index of Erectile Function 5 score, and IPSS-quality of life (QoL). Follow-up was addressed at 3 months, 6 months, and at 1 year.

The mean IPSS (10.40 vs 23.98; P <.05) and the mean Qmax (16.89 vs 7.28; P <.05) at 1 year were significantly different with respect to baseline. When considering secondary end points, we observed significant variation in terms of PVR (18.38 vs 75.25; P <.05), TPV (71.20 vs 129.31; P <.05), and PSA level (2.12 vs 3.67; P <.05) at 1 year compared with baseline. Finally, the mean IPSS-QoL significantly changed from baseline to 1 year after PAE (5.10 vs 2.20; P <.05). No minor or major complications were reported.

We showed clinical benefits of PAE for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms and/or BPO by reducing IPSS, TPV, PSA, PVR, and improvement in urinary flow and QoL after 1 year in patients with prostate volume ≥80 cm³ and CCI ≥2.