HMN 2026: What is the New practice guidance for treatment of enlarged prostate

The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) has published new practice guidance for the use of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) to treat enlarged prostate (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). The guidance appears in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology to coincide with the start of Men’s Health Month in June.

PAE is a minimally invasive treatment for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) commonly associated with BPH. This update to SIR’s 2019 Multisociety Consensus Position Statement on PAE captures new evidence supporting PAE as an effective alternative to conventional surgical treatments such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). It also reflects the procedure’s acceptance by the American Urologic Association as a viable treatment option for managing BPH-related LUTS.

BPH affects up to 60% of men over the age of 60 and as many as 80% of men by the age of 80. BPH can cause obstruction of the bladder, creating urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, nocturia, a weak urine stream and incomplete emptying. LUTS can substantially affect quality of life, resulting in depression, disturbed sleep, reduced productivity and sexual dysfunction.

This document provides evidence-based guidance for health care providers on the clinical evaluation of BPH patients, appropriate diagnostic and pre-procedural imaging, and appropriate treatments tailored to the diagnosis.

“Prostatic artery embolization offers men a minimally invasive, effective treatment option for enlarged prostate that can significantly improve urinary symptoms while reducing the risks and recovery time associated with traditional surgery,” said SIR President Saher S. Sabri, MD, FSIR. “This guidance outlines a team-based approach to care that will help ensure patients have access to this durable, minimally invasive treatment.”

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