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PAE vs. UroLift: Which Option is Best for You?

Choosing the right treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate gland, can be daunting. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) and UroLift are minimally invasive treatments used to treat BPH and relieve inconvenient and uncomfortable symptoms. However, a UroLift procedure has its limitations. 

A UroLift is a procedure that is only suitable for men with smaller prostate glands. It is not effective for men who have larger prostates or a larger median lobe, which is a part of the prostate that can grow into the bladder. Larger median lobes affect at least 10% to 40% of men. However, PAE has no size limitations for prostate glands. It is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment that can shrink enlarged prostates of any size to treat BPH.

Prostate Artery Embolization

Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure to address issues caused by BPH. It effectively shrinks the prostate gland and is a safe and effective treatment for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms. Benefits of PAE include:

  • No hospital stay required
  • Same day procedure
  • Less invasive than surgery
  • Full recovery in 1-2 weeks
  • No limits on prostate size
  • Lower risk of complications

UroLift

UroLift differs from PAE in several ways. It is only suitable for smaller prostate glands that are less than 70 ml in size. After a UroLift procedure, patients may even have symptoms reoccur, causing them to need repeat treatment or another procedure. The cost for UroLift is also approximately 2-3 times higher than PAE. Other differences include:

  • Limitations on prostate size
  • Chance of recurrent symptoms
  • Prostate may continue to grow after procedure 
  • Higher risk of urinary incontinence
  • May cause pain in the lower abdomen
  • Burning and painful urination after treatment
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PAE vs. UroLift Procedure

UroLift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a transurethral device to place tiny implants on each side of the prostate. It holds the prostate tissue out of the way and opens up the urethra to help urine flow more freely. Generally, two to four implants are sutured on each side of the prostate. The procedure takes less than an hour to complete. Although an effective treatment for BPH, UroLift may cause more side effects, such as burning with urination, blood in urine, and pelvic pain and discomfort. It is also a temporary solution, as the prostate may continue to grow after the procedure. 

PAE is a minimally invasive-image guided procedure that inserts a small catheter into your artery through your groin. Advanced X-ray imaging technology helps guide the catheter to the arteries feeding the enlarged prostate. Small particles are injected into the arteries through the catheter to reduce blood supply to the prostate, causing it to shrink. PAE takes 1-2.5 hours to perform and the patient can go home approximately 2 hours after the procedure. It also has minimal side effects and long-lasting results.

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Senior Discussing Treatment with Physician

PAE vs. UroLift Recovery

Patients can enjoy a speedy recovery with both PAE and the UroLift procedure. Most men are able to return to work within 2-3 days and have a full recovery after 1-2 weeks. However, there is an increased risk of side effects after a UroLift, compared to PAE where there is a reported lower risk of complications. These side effects are generally resolved in 1-3 weeks after the UroLift procedure.

Which Enlarged Prostate Treatment is Right For You?

At American Prostate Centers, we believe that patients should be informed of all available treatments for BPH. If you’re deciding between PAE and UroLift, there are a few important factors to consider. While UroLift may have some similar benefits to PAE, a UroLift procedure can only treat smaller prostate glands (<70 mL) and has no proven benefit for men with larger, more vascular prostates. Additionally, after a UroLift there is a chance your prostate will continue to grow and cause the same symptoms again in the future.

At American Prostate Centers, we recommend Prostate Artery Embolization for men considering treatment for BPH. PAE offers several benefits over a UroLift. It is a safe and minimally invasive treatment option for BPH that effectively reduces painful and uncomfortable symptoms. It has a lower risk of urinary incontinence, no sexual side effects, and less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.

PAE vs. UroLift Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between prostate artery embolization and UroLift?

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) and UroLift are two different minimally invasive procedures for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PAE involves blocking blood flow to the prostate, and shrinking it, while UroLift uses tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue, opening the urethra. PAE is more focused on reducing blood supply, while UroLift tackles BPH by repositioning prostate tissue.

How much does UroLift cost compared to PAE?

UroLift and PAE are minimally invasive procedures, but their costs differ significantly. UroLift is generally more expensive than PAE. The cost of a UroLift ranges from $6,429 to $10,499 for 1 to 3 implants, which is 2 to 3 times higher than the cost of PAE. However, insurance coverage varies depending on the policy and provider, and it’s essential to understand any potential out-of-pocket costs before undergoing any procedure. It’s best to contact your insurance provider to get an accurate estimate.

Is PAE or UroLift more invasive?

PAE is less invasive than traditional surgical treatments for BPH, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or open prostatectomy. It is performed by an interventional radiologist using catheters inserted through a small incision in the groin or wrist, under local anesthesia.

UroLift is also minimally invasive and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under local or general anesthesia. It involves the insertion of a cystoscope through the urethra to place the UroLift implants in the prostate.

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Why Choose American Prostate Centers for PAE?

At American Prostate Centers, you are in the right place, with a state-of-the-art center, high-quality interventional radiologists, and a clinically trained staff to attend to your needs in a safe and comfortable environment. With nationally recognized specialists, our highly trained and skilled physicians work as a team to provide expert care, including Prostate Artery Embolization. We do everything in our power to help you get back to your normal life without urination issues holding you back.

Our Prostate Specialists

Dr. David Mobley is our affiliated prostate specialist at our Queens location. He has been performing image-guided, minimally invasive prostate procedures for over 10 years. Dr. Mobley is an interventional radiologist, who has specialized training in performing PAE. He is an expert in both the diagnosis and treatment of BPH, to alleviate symptoms and let you live life without annoying urinary symptoms.

Our Prostate Center in NY

American Prostate Centers is located in Astoria, Queens. Our affiliated outpatient center has everything you need for a successful PAE procedure. Our state-of-the-art interventional radiology center has the most advanced equipment available to get the treatment you need to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
2nd Floor
Queens, NY 11102
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Dr David Mobley was kind right to the point. Explained & solved my issue. The whole staff is professional.
Lizette
Lizette
17:52 03 Aug 24
I felt very comfortable with him. Excellent bedside manner, proper teaching , and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
Jamel Jackson
Jamel Jackson
14:07 27 Feb 24
The absolute BEST Dr!! Detailed, caring & kind! The best medical procedure I’ve ever had from consultation to post procedure, perfect! 10s all around 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 many thank yous🙏🏾
Josi W
Josi W
22:04 12 Jan 24
Excellent service and staff i’ll let you feel relaxing and comfortable
kadine campbell
kadine campbell
21:01 23 Oct 23
Really like this doctor, talks in your language, just over all regular nice person.
Linda Thoomey
Linda Thoomey
22:03 21 Jul 23
I’m very satisfied of my visit for the first time, everyone was concerned about me, and Dr David was very patient to listen to my long health stories, after that He gave me good explanation for my problem, that was great 👍
Claude Jean Pierre
Claude Jean Pierre
22:38 18 Jul 23
Follow up to a procedure. Dr Mobley and his staff are great and always helpful
DanLiza Diehl
DanLiza Diehl
21:25 10 Jul 23
David monkey,MD and the grupo are excellent very kind and helpful.i will return to them.the attention.its very satisfied.thank u ..
Luis Sarria
Luis Sarria
12:16 29 Jun 23
I had a good experience with my procedure and Dr. Mobley’s follow-up calls are great. I’ve never had a doctor who has been so concerned about following up after a procedure to see how I’m doing and if there are any post-procedure problems I may have experienced (which there aren’t). I’d highly recommend Dr. Mobley.
Hey Beej
Hey Beej
16:42 23 Jun 23
Dr Mobley was so helpful, informative and made me feel secure in making my future medical plan. Supportive and kind. Highly recommended.
Amanda L Browder
Amanda L Browder
15:57 23 Jun 23
Doctor was very thorough. Explaining what the procedure is all about. Tell me what I could realistically expect. Couldn’t have asked for a better consultation. Highly recommended if you have a prostate issue
John Buric
John Buric
16:26 15 Jun 23
I was very pleased and satisfied on how Dr. David Mobley examined me and explained everything on what I need to know regarding my condition. He’s very professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of his profession. I would highly recommend him to my other friends!
Celine Parcon
Celine Parcon
23:16 07 Jun 23
He puts his patients before himself, returning calls and e-mails quickly. Not only is he kind and considerate, he is an excellent physician. I had to have a procedure that requires me to be awake, and he talked me through it and kept me at ease. If I could give him more stars, I would.
Super friendly, tentative, once in the procedure rm the sx staff made you feel comfortable, easy,+ answered all questions. David mobley, MD answered all my questions, very informative, caring. I felt confident in his care
Thais Bini
Thais Bini
21:22 30 May 23
Great doctor. Everyone is so kind and caring. Great place to go
Joan Jurica
Joan Jurica
14:46 30 May 23
The best in Astoria I recommend Dr mobley and staff 100 percent
michaela1951
michaela1951
21:25 30 Mar 23
Knowledgeable , experienced, great bed side manners
mohamed hamed
mohamed hamed
10:09 30 Mar 23
The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained the tests that I need and why I need them.
Judith AndersonNeal
Judith AndersonNeal
22:12 27 Mar 23
This was the best experience I have had in such a long time and I have had quite a few procedures in the past both in patient and out including the procedure I was currently present for. No other surgeon has been so kind, transparent, and gentle. Not only did he personally come out beforehand to provide me with education on my procedure, but he talked me through every step of the way and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention his amazing staff! Despite being extremely nervous they kept me smiling and laughing throughout the whole process. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you so much guys!!
Riah L.
Riah L.
13:49 22 Mar 23
Excellent bedside manners and the procedure was a breeze.
sen-pei hsia
sen-pei hsia
18:26 20 Mar 23
Los mejores/ the best💖🙏
Ruthy Ochoa
Ruthy Ochoa
04:17 03 Mar 23
I went with my mom who just had a hip surgery. The whole team was very caring, nice and very professional. I did appreciate that the surgeon took the time to explain to me what was wrong with my mom’s arm and what he did to fix it.
mouna khalyat
mouna khalyat
14:37 24 Feb 23
Although I didn’t meet with the doctor, the receptionist, assistant and nurse were great.
Theresa Gaines
Theresa Gaines
13:25 13 Feb 23
Every thing and the process are being done properly ..Terissa you are very Carey ..thank you so much every body are very polite and very professional.. Thank you so much to Dr.Mobley..God blessed you all .🙏🙏🙏👍
Remigio Ruda
Remigio Ruda
03:28 31 Jan 23
Very knowledgeable, personable and professional. I came to Dr. Mobley to correct another surgeons work and I was pleased with the outcome. There is a Hispanic woman that runs things in the O.R.She is great! The whole staff is wonderful and caring.Highly recommend
Lakesha Kingdom
Lakesha Kingdom
15:57 17 Jan 23
I had a wonderful PA take care of me, & the nurses were very sweet. I was happy with my visit
Aurora Anello
Aurora Anello
19:20 10 Jan 23
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