Researchers at the University of Miami have reported that a minimally invasive approach can ease urinary symptoms for men with an enlarged prostate by partially reducing blood flow to the gland. The findings were slated to be shared at a Society for Interventional Radiology meeting in Phoenix, highlighting a growing interest in targeted vascular therapies for BPH relief.
Across thousands of cases, doctors tracked the results of prostate artery embolization, a procedure designed to interrupt the arterial supply to the prostate. The analysis showed meaningful improvement in urinary complaints among participants, with no observed decline in erectile function. This balance of symptom relief and preserved sexual health is a key focus for clinicians considering new options for benign prostatic hyperplasia management, as discussed in the study presented at the SIR gathering.
Remarkably, the evaluations indicated that the prostate tended to shrink over time, with an average reduction of about one third in volume a year after the intervention. Alongside this size decrease, levels of prostate specific antigen dropped substantially, signaling an overall enhancement in gland performance and function. These outcomes contribute to the ongoing conversation about how best to address urinary symptoms while minimizing side effects associated with other treatments.
Traditional treatments for an enlarged prostate, including medications and surgical procedures, can come with tradeoffs such as altered sexual function or other adverse effects. For many men, that risk has led to hesitation or delay in receiving help, sometimes prolonging discomfort. The embolization approach offers a potential alternative for patients seeking symptom relief without compromising quality of life, a topic underscored by the study presented at the conference and cited by clinicians following the latest evidence from the University of Miami team.
During embolization of the vessels feeding the prostate, interventional specialists introduce tiny microparticles into the targeted arteries. These particles, crafted from acrylic polymer and roughly the size of a grain of sand, obstruct a portion of the gland’s blood supply. The method specifically concentrates on the prostate arteries, leaving the rest of the circulatory system intact and undisturbed. This selective reduction in flow aims to relieve pressure on the bladder and improve urine flow while avoiding broader systemic effects, a nuance that the researchers emphasize when discussing outcomes and safety at the meeting in Phoenix.