The aim of this study is to determine the origin and course of the arterial supply to the prostate. Pelvic dissection was performed at the University of Buenos Aires, AR with Jose Palacio-Jaraquemada, MD, Professor of Anatomy. Findings were correlated to clinical angiographies of the prostate.
Dr. Garcia-Monaco reported prostate embolization for prostatic hemorrhage was first published 35 years ago by Mitchell et al. J Urol 1976 and more recently by Rastinehad et al. Urology 2008. Recent reports of prostatic arterial embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia as reported by Carnevale CVIR 2010 and Pisco JVIR 2011 have increased awareness of the significance of prostate vasculature. Arteries supplying the prostate arise from the inferior vesical artery (vesico-prostatic artery), the internal pudendal, and the middle rectal artery. The most common artery is the inferior vesical artery (vesico-prostatic artery). The most common origin is the anterior trunk of the hypogastric artery. Dr. Garcia-Monaco noted the pudendal artery will frequently be the artery of origin. Usually one main pedicle is found on each side, but two main pedicles are possible (plus small accesory arteries).
In conclusión, knowing the vascular anatomy of the prostate is essential for good clinical practice in prostate embolization. Increased BPH angiography and embolization will improve the knowledge of functional vascular anatomy of the prostate, contributing to better clinical results with fewer complications.
Presented by Ricardo Garcia-Monaco, MD, PhD and Jose Palacio-Jaraquemada, MD at the Global Embolization Symposium and Technologies (GEST) Conference.
View slides presented by Drs. Garcia-Monaco and Palacio-Jaraquemada at the conference
Reported by Karen Roberts, Medical Writer, UroToday.com
