Enlarged Prostate: Surgery or a Less Invasive Option?

If you’ve been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—commonly known as an enlarged prostate—you might be wondering, should I get surgery for an enlarged prostate, or is there a less invasive option? While procedures like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) have been a standard treatment for years, there are now minimally invasive options that may be just as effective, with fewer risks and a faster recovery.

Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate (BPH) and When to Seek Help

Many men with BPH experience frustrating symptoms that disrupt daily life, including:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• A weak or slow urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• A feeling that the bladder isn’t fully empty
• Sudden, strong urges to urinate
• Interrupted sleep due to nighttime urination

If these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, it’s important to explore all your treatment options.

Surgery vs. Minimally Invasive Treatments: Which Is Best for BPH?

TURP has long been considered the “gold standard” for BPH treatment, but it comes with the risks of general anesthesia, a hospital stay, and a lengthy recovery. However, surgery isn’t the only option. If you’re wondering, should I get surgery for an enlarged prostate, it’s worth exploring Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)—a newer, minimally invasive alternative. Performed by an interventional radiologist, PAE doesn’t require surgery and offers a faster recovery with fewer complications, making it an appealing choice for many men seeking relief from BPH symptoms.

What Is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)?

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Instead of removing prostate tissue, an interventional radiologist blocks blood flow to the prostate, causing it to shrink and relieve symptoms.

How PAE Works

• A small catheter is inserted into an artery in the wrist or groin.
• Tiny particles are injected to reduce blood flow to the prostate.
• The prostate shrinks, easing pressure on the bladder and improving urinary symptoms.

PAE offers a shorter recovery time and fewer risks compared to surgery, making it a strong option for men looking to avoid invasive procedures.

TURP vs. PAE: What’s the Difference?

TURP is often referred to as the gold standard for treating BPH, but it is a surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay. On the other hand, PAE is a minimally invasive, non-surgical option performed by an interventional radiologist.

Comparing TURP and PAE

Why are more men choosing PAE?

• It’s less invasive than TURP
• It has a shorter recovery time
• It helps preserve sexual function
• It carries fewer risks compared to major surgery

Who Should Consider PAE Instead of Surgery?

• PAE might be a good option if you:
• Have moderate to severe BPH symptoms
• Want to avoid surgery
• Are at higher risk for surgery due to age or medical conditions
• Want to preserve sexual function

However, PAE may not be suitable if you:

• Have prostate cancer (PAE only treats BPH)
• Have severe urinary retention requiring a catheter
• Have a very small prostate that may not respond well to embolization

Choosing the Best Treatment for You

Before deciding on surgery, ask yourself these three questions:

• Have I explored all my treatment options?
• What are the risks of surgery for me?
• How important is preserving sexual function and minimizing recovery time?

Surgery isn’t the only solution for BPH. PAE provides an alternative that can relieve symptoms while allowing you to avoid major surgery.

Talk to a specialist today to see if PAE is the right choice for you.

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