Prostatic Tissue Elimination After Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE): A Report of Three Cases

Purpose We report three cases of spontaneous prostatic tissue elimination through the urethra while voiding following technically successful prostatic artery embolization (PAE) as a treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods All patients were embolized with 100- to 300-μm microspheres alone or in combination with 300- to 500-μm microspheres. Results During follow-up prior to eliminating the tissue fragments, the three patients all presented with intermittent periods of LUTS improvement and aggravation. After expelling the prostatic tissue between 1 and 5 months of follow-up, significant improvements in LUTS and urodynamic parameters were observed in all patients. Conclusions Urethral obstruction after PAE caused by sloughing prostate tissue is a potential complication of the procedure and should be considered in patients with recurrent LUTS in order to avoid inappropriate management.