Prostatic Arterial Embolization Followed by Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate as a Planned Combined Approach for Extremely Enlarged Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Abstract

Objective: This study was aimed at reporting the initial experience with prostatic arterial embolization (PAE) followed by holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) as a planned combined approach for extremely enlarged benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and retrospectively estimating the efficacy and safety of this novel technique. Patients and Methods: Twenty-four BPH patients who underwent PAE and subsequent HoLEP were included. The PAE procedure was performed under local anesthesia at the supine position with polyvinyl alcohol spherical particles and gelatin sponge particles. HoLEP was performed 3 months after PAE by the “en-bloc” enucleation technique. Clinical data before and 6 months after the procedure were analyzed. Results: PAE and HoLEP were technically successful in all 24 patients. The mean prostate volume was 219 ± 38 mL; the mean total operative time and enucleation time for HoLEP were 117.8 ± 21.9 and 83.5 ± 15.4 min, respectively; and the mean resected prostate weight was 118.3 ± 20.7 g. No transurethral resection of the prostate syndrome was observed during and after HoLEP. The estimated blood loss during HoLEP was 72.1 ± 33.7 mL, and no case required transfusion. International Prostate Symptom Score and post void residual volume decreased significantly (24.1 ± 2.84 vs. 13.5 ± 3.39, p < 0.001; 107.1 ± 40.8 vs. 21.8 ± 16.8, p < 0.001, respectively), maximal flow rate increased significantly (6.25 ± 1.42 vs. 17.63 ± 16.56, p < 0.001), and prostatic specific antigen level also decreased after the procedure (9.29 ± 2.28 vs. 4.99 ± 1.35, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PAE followed by HoLEP as a planned combined approach can be performed safely, feasibly, and efficiently in patients with extremely enlarged BPH.