Prostatic Artery Embolization vs. Pharmacotherapy for LUTS/BPH

Prostatic Artery Embolization vs. Pharmacotherapy for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

This study compares safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms associated wit benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• men ≥45 years of age
• lower urinary tract symptoms assigned to BPH (diagnosis by medical history and physical examination)
• IPSS ≥ 8 points
• QoL ≥ 3 points
• Qmax ≤ 15 ml/s with a minimum voided volume ≥ 125 ml
• informed consent for study participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• renal impairment (GFR < 30ml/min)
• previous prostatic surgery
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (5-ARI) use within 6 mo (or dutasteride within 12 mo) prior to entry, or use of an α-blocker or phytotherapy for BPH within 2 weeks prior to entry
• history or evidence of prostate cancer
• absolute indication for surgical treatment of complications related to BPH (i.e. bladder stones, renal impairment due to bladder outlet obstruction)
• history of neurogenic bladder dysfunction
• not able to complete questionnaires due to cognitive or thought disorders
• language skills insufficient for informed consent and / or completion of questionnaires