Comparing prostate artery embolization to surgery for enlarged prostate treatment

Prostatic Artery Embolization vs Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or Open Prostatectomy in Patients With Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

NA · Oslo University Hospital · NCT04084938

This study is testing whether a new procedure called prostate artery embolization works as well as traditional surgery for men with an enlarged prostate and bothersome urinary symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
SexMale
SponsorOslo University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Oslo)
Trial IDNCT04084938 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare prostate artery embolization (PAE) with traditional surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in terms of patient acceptance, complications, and functional outcomes. A total of 140 patients suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) will be randomized to receive either PAE or surgery. Prior to randomization, patients will undergo imaging to ensure eligibility, and both procedures will be performed in specialized departments. Follow-up assessments will be conducted at 3 months, 1 year, and 5 years to evaluate recovery and complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with moderate to severe LUTS due to BPH, refractory to medical treatment, and willing to undergo both PAE and surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with clinically significant prostate cancer, severe renal insufficiency, or previous prostate surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a less invasive treatment option for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, potentially reducing recovery time and complications.

How similar studies have performed: While PAE has shown promise in preliminary studies, it has not yet been widely adopted into clinical guidelines, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* LUTS from Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) with moderate and severe IPSS score (IPSS \> 8) and QoL = or \>3
* and refractory to medical treatment for at least 6 months or the patient is unwilling to accept medical treatment
* or BPH using permanent or intermittent catheterization
* Prostate volume \> 50 ml
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Urological disorders: evidence of clinically significant prostate cancer \[as defined by START criteria\] on prostate biopsy (27,28), prostatitis (29,30), detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia or evidence of neurogenic bladder, urethral strictures, bladder neck contracture, bladder stone or bladder cancer
* Renal insufficiency defined as Glomerular Filtration Rate \< 30 ml/min/1,73m2
* Known severe reactions to iodine-based contrast or gadolinium-based contrast
* Previous prostate operation
* CT examination reveals no access to the prostate arteries.

Where this trial is running

Oslo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Post-Op Complication, Embolization Therapeutic, Transurethral Resection of Prostate Syndrome, Prostate, Embolization, Complication, Operation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.