[PROSTATE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION FOR WEANING OF INDWELLING URINARY CATHETER].

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men over 50 years of age and often causes urinary tract obstruction, which can lead to urinary retention and reliance on a permanent catheter. In cases where medical treatment fails or it is contraindicated, surgical treatment is recommended. This study explored an alternative: prostatic artery embolization (PAE), evaluating its effectiveness in weaning patients off a catheter.

Methods: In this retrospective study, data was collected on patients who underwent PAE at our institution, by the same physician, from August 2018 to November 2023, to treat persistent urinary retention or had contraindications to catheter weaning. A statistical analysis was conducted.

Results: A total of 115 patients underwent PAE, 29 patients for weaning off a catheter. Their average age was 73.4 years (SD - 10.19). The average prostate volume was 167.44 grams (SD - 85.4). The majority, 62%, had significant comorbidities (ASA of 3-4). After PAE, 28 patients (97%) weaned off the catheter. The side effects were mostly mild (17%) with a Clavien-Dindo score of 1 to 2 and resolved spontaneously. More serious side effects were observed in two patients and included partial necrosis of the glans penis and renal failure. Both side effects resolved completely during follow-up.

Conclusions: PAE is a good solution for weaning off a urethral catheter in patients with significant comorbidities. This procedure has a high success rate in catheter weaning and mostly mild and transient side effects.