If you’re considering treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) otherwise known as an enlarged prostate gland, you’re probably aware of two of the most common procedures: prostate artery embolization (PAE) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). While both treatments help reduce BPH symptoms in men with moderate to severe enlarged prostate glands, there are significant differences between the two. This article compares PAE vs TURP arming you with more knowledge to help you make an informed decision. So, let’s get started.
Since its inception in the USA in 1926, TURP has traditionally been the go-to treatment for men suffering from the frustrating urinary symptoms of BPH and with enlarged prostates of certain sizes. However, as medical advances have occurred, alternative treatments such as PAE have gained favor.
PAE is minimally invasive, low risk, and generally more cost-effective than TURP because it’s performed on an outpatient basis, negating the need for a hospital stay. TURP, on the contrary, is limited to the size of prostate it can treat, has a higher risk of side effects and is not recommended for men over the age of 65 years. Let’s explore a more in-depth comparison between the two procedures.
PAE is a minimally invasive procedure that is carried out under local anesthesia, meaning patients are awake throughout the procedure and able to leave a couple of hours after the procedure to recover in the comfort of their own homes. Other benefits of PAE include:
Not only is TURP more invasive than PAE but it is also not recommended for prostates exceeding 80 milliliters (ml) in size and presents more of a risk for men over the age of 65. Moreover, side effects such as sexual dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation and incontinence are higher with TURP than with PAE.
TURP requires general anesthesia and lasts around 60-90 minutes. An instrument called a resectoscope which has a light, wire, and camera attached is inserted through the tip of the penis and gently guided toward the prostate gland through the urethra. The wire is heated by an electric current and the camera enables the surgeon to trim away any excess tissue that is blocking the flow of urine. The trimmings are directed toward the bladder and a catheter is used to remove them from the body once the operation is over.
With the PAE procedure, a small catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin. This is then gently guided toward the arteries delivering blood to the enlarged prostate with the help of advanced imaging technology. Once the catheter is in place, the surgeon injects small embolic particles into the prostate arteries to limit the flow of blood to the gland. As the prostate is starved of blood, it gradually shrinks, releasing the pressure on the urethra and alleviating urinary symptoms. Generally, the procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size of the prostate and the location of the arteries.
With TURP, the catheter remains in place until the patient can urinate on their own – usually between 24-48 hours following the procedure. Patients can expect to remain in hospital for between 1-3 days and full recovery typically takes between 3-4 weeks. They may not exercise strenuously or lift anything heavy for up to 6 weeks.
With PAE the recovery is far shorter. Most patients return home the same day of the procedure. A full recovery can take between 1 and 2 weeks and most patients can return to work and normal activities within 10 days.
At MINT STL we believe that patients should be well informed about all their treatment options for enlarged prostates. The choice between PAE vs TURP depends on several factors:
Although TURP has traditionally been considered the ‘gold standard’ of treatment for BPH, alternative minimally invasive treatments like PAE are becoming more effective and popular, particularly for those men who are unable to have surgery or prefer not to.
The safety profile and quicker return to normal activities are seen as highly advantageous for patients. Furthermore, unlike TURP, prostate artery embolization does not cause any sexual side effects and patients experience less pain and fewer complications post-procedure.
While treatment choices are personal you should be assisted and guided by a well-trained medical professional who can evaluate your condition and discuss the risks and benefits of each procedure.
For help in determining your candidacy for PAE, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team of interventional radiologists at MINT STL to request a consultation. Here you will learn more about PAE and how it compares to TURP for your unique needs.
Your journey to improved prostate health starts here. Let MINT STL help you regain control and enjoy a better quality of life without the discomfort of BPH symptoms. Don’t delay. Contact either of our locations in St Louis, MO or Swansea, IL to request an appointment.
