PAE or TURP? Understanding the Best Treatment for Enlarged Prostate

What is an Enlarged Prostate (BPH) and Why Does it Need Treatment?

The prostate is a small gland just below the bladder that surrounds the urethra. As men age, this gland often grows larger, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While BPH is not cancer, it can cause troubling urinary symptoms.

Common signs include frequent urination, especially at night, weak urine flow, and a constant feeling that the bladder is not empty. Severe cases can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or kidney problems.

When symptoms affect daily life, men often explore enlarged prostate treatment options. Medications are tried first, but if they don’t help, procedures like TURP or non surgical treatment for BPH, such as PAE, are recommended.

What is TURP and How Does it Work?

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the traditional surgical option. Using a scope passed through the urethra, the surgeon removes the extra prostate tissue that blocks urine flow.

TURP is effective, and men usually notice significant improvement in urination. Recovery takes a few weeks, and a hospital stay with a catheter is part of the process.

While TURP has been the standard for decades, it does come with drawbacks. Risks include bleeding, incontinence, and retrograde ejaculation. Some men require repeat surgery later as the prostate continues to grow.

What is PAE and How is it Different from TURP?

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is a modern, minimally invasive alternative. Instead of surgically removing tissue, an interventional radiologist uses advanced imaging to guide a catheter into the arteries supplying the prostate. Tiny particles are injected to reduce blood flow, which causes the prostate to shrink naturally.

This approach avoids surgical cutting and general anesthesia. PAE is usually performed as a day-care procedure, often without the need for a catheter. Recovery is much faster, and men can return to daily routines quickly.

At RIVEA Vascular Institute in Hyderabad, PAE is performed by specialists trained in advanced interventional radiology. With dedicated expertise, RIVEA has become a trusted center for men who want effective non surgical treatment for BPH.

Who is a Good Candidate for TURP?

TURP is recommended for men with severe urinary obstruction who are fit for surgery and anesthesia. It is often chosen when complications such as repeated infections, bladder stones, or kidney strain develop.

For patients comfortable with a surgical route, TURP remains an option. However, it requires hospitalization, longer recovery, and carries a higher risk of long-term side effects.

Who is a Good Candidate for PAE?

PAE is a strong option for men seeking relief without surgery. It is particularly valuable for those with other health conditions that make anesthesia risky. Men with very large prostates also benefit, as PAE works even when surgery becomes technically challenging.

Patients who want to avoid sexual side effects, lengthy recovery, or overnight hospital stays increasingly choose PAE. At RIVEA, careful evaluation ensures that each patient is an appropriate candidate, with imaging and tests tailored to individual needs.

How Do the Procedures Compare in Terms of Recovery and Side Effects?

Recovery after TURP usually involves a hospital stay, catheter use for several days, and a few weeks of downtime. Temporary discomfort such as burning during urination and blood in the urine is common. Long-term side effects, especially retrograde ejaculation, affect many men.

Recovery after PAE is much smoother. Most men go home the same day, resume normal activities in a few days, and notice symptom improvement within weeks. Side effects are mild and temporary, such as pelvic discomfort or frequent urination.

For those seeking faster recovery and fewer complications, PAE offers a clear advantage. Patients at RIVEA often highlight how quickly they could return to work and normal life compared to surgical options.

Which Treatment Offers Better Long-Term Results?

TURP has a long track record, with results that last for many years. But the cost is a longer recovery, higher risk of side effects, and the possibility of needing retreatment as tissue grows again.

PAE, while newer, has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness. Studies show sustained symptom relief for at least five years in many patients. For men prioritizing comfort, safety, and faster recovery, PAE delivers excellent outcomes.

As more centers adopt it, PAE is becoming the preferred choice for men worldwide. In Hyderabad, RIVEA has established itself as a leader in offering this advanced solution for enlarged prostate treatment.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Between PAE and TURP?

Key considerations include:

• Severity of symptoms
• Prostate size
• Overall health and surgical fitness
• Tolerance for recovery time and side effects
• Access to expertise in advanced procedures

If quick recovery, minimal risk, and preservation of sexual function are priorities, PAE is often the better choice. Men who are comfortable with surgery and want a procedure with the longest history may still consider TURP.

At RIVEA, patients are guided through both options, but the emphasis is on providing non surgical treatment for BPH whenever suitable.

Why Are Patients Increasingly Choosing Non-Surgical Options Like PAE?

Modern patients want treatments that work without disrupting their lives for weeks. PAE provides exactly that. With minimal discomfort, day-care discharge, and low risk of complications, it fits the needs of active men who want relief without long downtime.

The availability of BPH treatment in Hyderabad at RIVEA has made PAE accessible for many men who once believed surgery was their only option.

How Do I Find the Right Specialist for My Enlarged Prostate Treatment?

Finding the right team matters. Urologists remain key for diagnosis and discussing surgical options, but interventional radiologists trained in PAE bring a different expertise.

At RIVEA Vascular Institute, men receive specialized care from internationally trained radiologists who focus on advanced non-surgical procedures. With a patient-first approach and modern facilities, RIVEA ensures safe and effective outcomes for men exploring enlarged prostate treatment.

Both TURP and PAE are valid treatments for BPH, but more men are turning toward non surgical treatment for BPH because it offers real results with fewer risks. TURP remains effective but involves longer recovery and higher chance of side effects. PAE provides the relief patients want with the comfort and safety they prefer.

Why Choose RIVEA for Enlarged Prostate Treatment?

When it comes to choosing the right place for BPH treatment in Hyderabad, experience and expertise matter. Dr. Arjun Reddy, Co-Founder and Director of RIVEA Vascular Institute, was one of the first doctors in the country to bring Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) to patients. His international training and hands-on expertise make RIVEA a pioneer in advanced, non-surgical solutions for prostate health.

RIVEA is quickly becoming the destination of choice for men seeking effective non surgical treatment for BPH. Patients trust RIVEA not only for its clinical results but also for its focus on comfort, safety, and individualized care.

What sets RIVEA apart is its comprehensive approach. The institute offers advanced diagnostic imaging, a skilled interventional radiology team, and modern facilities under one roof. This ensures accurate evaluation, precise procedures, and smooth recovery all delivered in a patient-centered environment.

For men struggling with urinary symptoms and looking for real relief, RIVEA provides a combination of world-class expertise and compassionate care that makes it the most advanced center for enlarged prostate treatment in Hyderabad.