CVIR recently published a commentary from Tiago Bilhim et al. on the newly updated American Urological Association Guidelines for the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, which now include prostatic artery embolization. This is a considerable step forward for the recognition of PAE as a safe and effective treatment.
CIRSE offers myriad options for learning more about PAE, and a webinar and ESIR course are on the horizon in 2024.
The current American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines on the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were first published in 2021. Following the 2019 AUA guidelines, which recommended PAE for the management of patients with LUTS exclusively within the confines of clinical trials, the 2021 version included PAE only as an ‘experimental’ treatment. This created barriers to access, particularly in insurance coverage for patients. In contrast, the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines from 2021 stated that PAE, while experimental, could be offered to patients in standard clinical practice.
Considering the influence that US guidelines have on global medical practice, the inclusion of PAE for BPH in the 2023 update of the AUA guidelines is a notable advancement in the worldwide acceptance and visibility of the procedure.
CIRSE representative, CVIR Section Editor and long-time proponent of PAE Prof. Tiago Bilhim wrote a commentary with co-authors Dr. Justin P. McWilliams and Dr. Sandeep Bagla for CVIR on the subject, titled “Updated American Urological Association Guidelines for the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Prostatic Artery Embolization Made it into the Guidelines!”
His commentary covers the impact of the addition, which he calls a “culmination of a 15-year effort,” and applauds urology colleagues for their dedication to patient-centred care and collaboration with IR.
Prof. Bilhim cautions that, while the inclusion is “a large step forward on the journey to improve men’s health and quality of life worldwide,” much work remains. There are a multitude of treatment options for PAE, and comparative data and wider treatment availability and expertise are needed. He stipulates that clearer guidelines on which treatment should be offered to which patient are also still necessary, and that IRs still need to strongly advocate for and build comprehensive practices around PAE.
Challenges aside, Prof. Bilhim feels hopeful that IR and urology will be able to work together towards a minimally invasive, patient-centred future.
Mark your calendars! CIRSE will host various opportunities in 2024 for anyone wishing to learn more about PAE.
Up first, a CIRSE Webinar on PAE for benign prostatic hyperplasia will take place on April 4, 2024 at 17:00. Moderated by Prof. Tiago Bilhim and Dr. Joaquim Maurício da Motta Leal Filho, this webinar will walk participants through the medical and surgical management of patients with BPH, pre-procedural patient consultation, the anatomy and technique of PAE, post-PAE patient care, and where we stand with the current evidence. CIRSE Webinars are free of charge for all interested participants. A full programme will be available soon and registration will open early next year, so keep an eye on cirse.org and on CIRSE’s social media channels!
Moving into the summer, an ESIR course on PAE will be hosted at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, UK, from July 4-5. Attendees taking part in this ESIR course on PAE organized by Dr. Zaid Aldin will learn about the fundamentals and techniques for prostatic artery embolization. This will be followed talks on the current status of PAE treatment, including patient selection, pre-procedural care and planning, equipment selection, types of embolic agents used and post-procedure care. The theoretical part of the course will be complemented by interactive video cases moderated by expert panellists. These video cases will be used to show teaching points including complex anatomy, embolization techniques, and how to avoid complications.
The early fee is still available for this course! Click here to view the full programme and to register.
Hundreds of lectures on prostatic artery embolization are available 24/7 via the CIRSE Library, which now also includes all CIRSE 2023 sessions on this topic! Click here to explore all presentations on PAE from CIRSE congress over the past years.
PAE will be in the spotlight once again during ET and CIRSE 2024. Click the links below to browse the programmes or submit your abstract!
