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Hôpital Cochin – Port-Royal · AP-HP · Université Paris Cité
Interventional Radiology Hôpital Cochin ri.cch@aphp.fr EN
Interventional Radiology Cochin Paris

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): Results and Evidence

Interventional Radiology · Cochin Hospital AP-HP · Paris

️ ri.cch@aphp.fr +33 1 58 41 46 12
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Embolisation

Prostate embolization — Results · Paris, Cochin AP-HP

Résultats de l'embolisation prostatique : score IPSS, efficacité, recul

What are the results of prostate embolization?

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is assessed mainly on the improvement of the IPSS score (International Prostate Symptom Score) and of the maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax). Clinical studies show a 50 to 70% improvement in the IPSS score at 12 months, comparable to the results of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for moderate to severe forms.

Results at 24 months show a 20 to 40% reduction in prostate volume and a lasting improvement in urinary symptoms. The specific advantages of PAE over TURP are the absence of retrograde ejaculation, preservation of erectile function, and a very short recovery (outpatient, 24 to 48h).

PAE results — At a glance

Prostate artery embolization improves urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, with outcomes measured by the IPSS symptom score and prostate volume.

Criterion Data
Improvement in urinary symptoms80–90% improvement in IPSS score
Prostate volume reduction20–40% at 6–12 months
Ejaculation preservationPreserved in the large majority of cases, unlike TURP
Time to improvementProgressive over several weeks to months
Re-treatmentPossible if symptoms recur
CostCovered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP — no out-of-pocket fees

Data validated by the team of Prof. Anthony Dohan, Department of Interventional Radiology, Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité.

Frequently asked questions

The first results (less urinary urgency, better flow) are noticeable within 4 to 8 weeks after embolization. Maximum improvement is reached at 3 to 6 months. The reduction in prostate volume is visible on MRI at 3 months.
Yes, in 10 to 15% of cases the embolization is insufficient or the prostate has anatomical variants limiting access to the prostatic arteries. In that case, surgery (TURP, HoLEP) may be offered.
Prostate embolization is covered by French national health insurance at Cochin AP-HP (public hospital). No extra fees.
A referral letter is recommended. The interventional radiologist assesses the indication. Contact us: ri.cch@aphp.fr · +33 1 58 41 46 12.

Book an appointment at Cochin AP-HP

Hôpital Cochin · 27 rue du Faubourg Saint-Jacques · 75014 Paris · No extra fees

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Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.

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