PAE vs TURP: Which is Right for You?

If you are trying to relieve the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) your treatment options may include prostatic artery embolization (PAE) and Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). But how can you choose between PAE vs TURP? In this post, we’ll explore the efficacy and benefits of each procedure, along with costs and potential side effects, so that you can make a more informed decision.

PAE vs TURP: Understanding the Differences

Both PAE and TURP are medical procedures that can relieve BPH symptoms. PAE treatment, available at the Texas Prostate Institute, is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks an enlarged prostate by blocking its blood supply. It can be performed without general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. In contrast, TURP is a surgical procedure that excises tissue from the enlarged prostate gland. Performed under general anesthesia, TURP often requires recovering patients to stay overnight in the hospital.

Risks and Rewards

As a minimally invasive procedure, PAE is associated with minimal side effects and a fairly quick recovery period. Potential side effects are minimal and temporary; they can include pelvic pain and painful or frequent urination. And, while PAE is a relatively newer BPH treatment option, current evidence suggests that it delivers at least six years of symptom relief.

Now, as a surgical procedure, TURP comes with a longer and more painful recovery period when compared to PAE. Typically, you’ll need to spend one to three days in hospital after the procedure, and you will be catheterized for at least 24 hours. The risk for side effects is also greater; potential complications include painful urination, bleeding and retrograde ejaculation (when semen flows backward into your bladder instead of out your urethra.)

Cost of PAE vs TURP

Both treatment options should be covered by insurance, however you will likely still face some out-of-pocket expenses with either procedure. While costs will vary depending on your individual coverage, PAE is considered to be a less expensive option, likely because it does not require general anesthesia or a hospital stay.

Choosing Your Best BPH Treatment Option

If you’re choosing between PAE vs TURP for BPH relief, you’ll have to consider:

• Your age and current state of health
• Your medical history, including existing conditions that could preclude you from surgery
• The severity of your symptoms, and the current size of your prostate

All treatment decisions are personal, and should be made with the help and guidance of a trained healthcare professional. For help determining your candidacy for Prostatic Artery Embolization, reach out to our team   of interventional radiologists to request a consultation.