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PAE vs. TURP: Which Option is Best for You?
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) are procedures used to treat enlarged prostate glands, also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). While both reduce the symptoms of BPH, they are different for men with moderate to severe enlarged prostate symptoms.
Historically, TURP has been the “gold standard” treatment for BPH for prostates of certain sizes. As medical advances have been made, new treatments, such as PAE, have been considered. PAE is minimally invasive and has only a 1% risk of major complications. PAE is, overall, more cost-effective than TURP and other surgical options, because it is performed as an outpatient procedure, requiring no hospitalization. TURP has limitations on treating certain prostate sizes, a higher risk of side effects, and is not recommended for patients over 65 years of age.
Prostate Artery Embolization
PAE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that has lower risks and fewer complications, faster recovery time, and requires no hospitalization or general anesthesia. Patients can usually leave approximately two hours after the procedure and recover comfortably at home. Other benefits of PAE include:
- No hospital stay required
- Same day procedure
- Less invasive than surgery
- Full recovery in 1-2 weeks
- No limit on prostate size
- Fewer risks of complications
- Lower costs because of no hospital fees
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
TURP differs from PAE in several different ways. It is a more invasive procedure that is not recommended for prostates over 80 milliliters (ml) in size and presents more of a risk for male patients over the age of 65. Sexual side effects, incontinence, and retrograde ejaculation are more likely to occur with TURP, compared to less than 1% of PAE patients. Other differences include:
- 1-3 day hospital stay
- Recovery time is 3-6 weeks
- Prostate size must be 30 ml to not over 80 ml.
- Not recommended for patients over 65 at high risk
- Significant postoperative risk of bleeding
- Sexual function may be lost or impaired
- Higher costs, due to hospital expenses
Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Endovascular affiliated center.
PAE vs. TURP Procedure
TURP is a surgical procedure that takes about 60-90 minutes. A thin metal tube that has a light, camera, and wire attached (called a resectoscope), is inserted through the penis into the urethra until it reaches the prostate gland. An electric current heats the loop of the wire and cuts away pieces of the prostate tissue that is blocking urine flow. Irrigating fluid helps to carry the prostate pieces into your bladder. A catheter is then used to remove the pieces after the operation is over.
PAE is a minimally invasive treatment that inserts a small catheter (tiny tube) into your artery through your groin. Advanced imaging technology helps guide the catheter to the arteries feeding the enlarged prostate gland. Once the catheter is in place, small gelatin particles are injected into the arteries. These small beads slow the blood flow to your prostate gland. As less blood gets to the prostate, it starts to shrink. In most cases, PAE takes between one and two hours, depending on the location and size of the art image-guided embolized.
PAE vs. TURP Recovery
TURP requires the catheter to remain in place for 24-48 hours after surgery until you can urinate on your own. Generally, TURP surgery requires a hospital stay of 1-3 days, and full recovery takes between 3-4 weeks. Patients may not perform strenuous exercise or lift heavy items for up to 6 weeks.
However, the recovery time for PAE is much shorter. Patients can usually go home the same day after the procedure. A full recovery generally takes 1-2 weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities after 10 days.
Which Enlarged Prostate Treatment is Right For You?
At American Prostate Centers, we believe that men should be informed of all available treatments for enlarged prostates. If you’re deciding between PAE and TURP surgery, there are a few important factors to consider. While TURP has traditionally been considered the most successful treatment for BPH, several other minimally invasive procedures are becoming more common and effective. These procedures generally cause fewer complications and have a quicker recovery period than TURP.
Prostate Artery Embolization is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for enlarged prostates that reduces painful and uncomfortable BPH symptoms. PAE offers several benefits over TURP surgery. It does not cause any sexual side effects and patients experience less pain and fewer complications after the procedure. We recommend Prostate Artery Embolization at American Prostate Centers to improve your symptoms and quality of life.
PAE vs. TURP Frequently Asked Questions
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the prostate, while TURP is a surgical method that removes excess prostate tissue. PAE is less invasive, requires no general anesthesia, and has a quicker recovery time, while TURP is more invasive, requiring general anesthesia and a longer recovery time. PAE generally has fewer complications and can be performed on an outpatient basis, whereas TURP may involve a longer hospital stay with the potential for more discomfort.
Determining which procedure is better for you depends on several factors specific to your circumstances and needs. The best treatment for you depends on the following:
- Your age and overall health
- The severity of your BPH symptoms
- The size and shape of your prostate
- Medical history and existing conditions
- Your insurance coverage
However, PAE does have advantages over TURP, including the following:
- Less invasive
- No hospital stay required
- Faster recovery time
- Fewer complications and side effects
- Cost-effective
PAE is often considered less expensive than TURP and a more cost-effective option. According to studies, the average cost of TURP is around $5,338, while the average cost of PAE is $1,678. TURP might also require longer hospital stays, additional procedures, or medications in the long run, which could increase the overall cost. However, the actual cost of these procedures may vary depending on individual circumstances and insurance coverage, so it’s always best to consult your doctor and insurance provider for a personalized estimate.
Why Choose American Prostate Centers for PAE?
American Prostate Centers proudly offers PAE at our prostate center in Queens, New York. Our board-certified prostate specialists are highly skilled in performing PAE using the most advanced imaging technology. Our affiliated outpatient center is accredited by the Joint Commission and adheres to the utmost standards. We are committed to helping you find relief from BPH and uncomfortable urinary symptoms so you can live a better life.
Our Prostate Specialists
At American Prostate Centers, Dr. David Mobley is our affiliated interventional radiologist in Queens, NY. Dr. Mobley is double board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology and Vascular & Interventional Radiology. He is highly skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Dr. Mobley is one of the select interventional radiologists in the nation who can expertly perform Prostate Artery Embolization.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Prostate affiliated center.