Embolization, Therapeutic

This study focuses on the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia which causes lower urinary tract symptoms. The purpose of the research project is to evaluate PAE in terms of both medical and health economic outcomes. To evaluate whether there are any differences in effect (IPSS), complications, costs and perceived quality of life compared with TUR-P.

Aim of the study is to compare prostate artery embolization (PAE) to the established surgical treatment for patient acceptance, morbidity, complications, and the functional outcomes. To compare length of stay, hospital costs and time for recovery. 140 patients will be randomized to PAE or surgery. Patients should suffer from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), be candidates for both treatments and willing to undergo both procedures. Before randomization computed tomography angiography of the pelvic arteries is done to select eligible patients. Magnetic resonance imaging of prostate rules out possible cancer. The PAE is done in the angio suite in the radiology department injecting small particles into the prostate arteries. The surgery is done in the operation room in the urology department according to established procedures. Clinical follow-up include clinical visit after 3 months, 1 and 5 years. Acute as well as long term complications will be recorded.