Clinical study of prostatic arterial embolization jointly with Bletilla Striata for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Objective: To explore the efficacy of Bletilla Striata combined with prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and determine its feasibility and safety. Methods: PAE with Bletilla Striata were performed in thirty patients with BPH who failed in medical treatment. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QOL) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were recorded. Peak urinary flow (Qmax), postvoid residual volume (PRV) and prostate volume (PV) were also measured before and after PAE. The complications were retrospectively analyzed. Results: PAE was technically successful in twenty-nine patients. Follow-up time was 12 months. IPSS was decreased from 26.69 to 6.14 points, QOL was improved from 4.76 to 1.22 points (P 0.05). Qmax increased 13.03 ml/s (from 9.75 to 22.79 ml), while PVR decreased from 131.79 ml to 4.45 ml (P<0.05). A mean prostate volume was reduced by 62.19% (85.66 to 32.38 ml) (P<0.05). There were three minor complications, one with mild hematuresis and two with pain in perineum regions. One patient had skin necrosis in the perineum region. Conclusions: PAE in treatment of BPH with Bletilla Striata is feasible, efficacious and safe. However, further studies are needed to assess its longer term result and potential morbidity. Key words: Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Prostatic artery embolization; Bletilla Striata; Interventional radiology