This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Non-invasive prostate therapy recommended for NHS
A new treatment for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, known as prostate artery embolisation, has been recommended for use by the NHS after showing signs of success in 20 centres which have offered the treatment as part of a trial.
Prostate artery embolisation blocks part of the blood supply to the prostate using tiny synthetic beads, causing the troublesome tissue to shrink and die. Such a method can spare men surgery and side-effects, such as impotence. Over a third of men over the age of 50, and approximately 60 per cent of men over 60, are reported to have an enlarged prostate, which can make if difficult for them to pass urine.
Now, following a study led by specialists at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has updated its guidance for using Prostate Artery Embolisation (PAE) as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Southampton General Hospital was the first in the UK to start the treatment in the UK in 2012 and began a study in 2015 to compare results of PAE with conventional surgery via a registry of prostate embolisation, known as UK-ROPE.
Dr Nigel Hacking, consultant interventional radiologist at Southampton General Hospital, said: “The UK-ROPE project has taken several years and required extra training of professionals working in 18 centres across England and Scotland. Results from the study show PAE can help large numbers of men suffering with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It is a particularly good option for men who are not yet ready to undergo more invasive prostate surgery.
“The fact that this is a day case procedure with no need for a urinary catheter or a general anaesthetic coupled with maintaining sexual function and fertility are some of its attractions to many men. I hope with NICE’s recommendations released today that more centres will be able to introduce PAE services in the not too distant future.”
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