New Practice Guidance Supports Prostatic Artery Embolization for BPH Symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause lower urinary tract symptoms and impair daily functioning. These symptoms erode sleep, productivity, and sexual health while driving visits to emergency and inpatient services when urinary retention occurs. Clinicians need clear, evidence-based pathways that balance efficacy with invasiveness across diverse patient profiles. To help address this challenge, new clinical guidance details the use of prostatic artery embolization as a treatment option.

The Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) has published practice guidance on prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. The document updates SIR’s 2019 Multisociety Consensus Position Statement by incorporating new evidence supporting PAE as an effective alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate. It also reflects the American Urologic Association’s recognition of PAE as a viable treatment option for managing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PAE is a minimally invasive treatment for LUTS associated with BPH. The guidance provides health care professionals with evidence-based recommendations covering clinical evaluation, appropriate diagnostic and preprocedural imaging, and treatment selection tailored to each patient’s diagnosis.

BPH affects up to 60% of men older than 60 years and as many as 80% by age 80. The condition can obstruct the bladder and cause symptoms such as increased frequency, urgency, nocturia, a weak urinary stream, and incomplete emptying. These symptoms can impair quality of life and contribute to depression, disrupted sleep, reduced productivity, and sexual dysfunction.

The practice guidance appears in 2026 to coincide with the start of Men’s Health Month in June. It provides structured recommendations intended to standardize evaluation and imaging workflows and to support consistent treatment selection. The publication in a specialty journal aims to aid teams that counsel patients on minimally invasive options alongside conventional surgery.

“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. This guidance outlines a team-based approach to care that will help ensure patients have access to this durable, minimally invasive treatment,” said Saher S. Sabri, MD, FSIR, President, Society of Interventional Radiology.

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Society of Interventional Radiology