At 55, Michael found himself facing a common challenge for men his age: an enlarged prostate. The frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom and daytime urgency not only disrupted his own sleep and energy levels but also impacted his daily routine and quality of life, as well as disrupting the sleep of his partner.
Fortunately, there are many options available for treating prostate issues, including two popular procedures: prostate artery embolization and UroLift®. While both procedures offer relief for patients, PAE has been known to provide a better quality of life for patients than UroLift®. In this blog post, prostate specialist Dr. Adam Gropper explains the benefits and treatment considerations of prostate artery embolization vs. UroLift® and why PAE is a better option for patients looking for long-term relief from prostate issues.
If you’d like to know if you’re a good candidate for prostate artery embolization, take our FREE 3-Minute Quiz to determine your International Prostate Symptom Score and see if you’re eligible. If you have any questions about the procedure, please don’t hesitate to contact our Prostate Specialists of Miami clinic at (786) 500-5347 to schedule your consultation.
What is UroLift®?
UroLift® is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to alleviate urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. Conducted as an in-office procedure under local anesthesia, the treatment involves the insertion of small implants to reposition and stabilize the enlarged prostate tissue.
How it Works
- Implant Deployment: Using a thin, flexible delivery device, the specialist navigates the urethra and positions the implants in specific locations within the enlarged prostate tissue.
- Tissue Repositioning: As the implants are deployed, they gently lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue outward and away from the urethra. This creates a wider passage for urine to flow more freely.
- Minimal Disruption: Unlike traditional surgery, which involves cutting or removing tissue, UroLift® leaves the surrounding tissue untouched. This minimizes bleeding and reduces the risk of complications.
Benefits of UroLift®
- Minimally invasive: Performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, allowing for a quick recovery and return to daily activities within a few days.
- Preserves sexual function: Doesn’t interfere with erectile function, ensuring intimacy remains unaffected.
- Flexibility for future options: Compatible with other BPH treatments if necessary in the future.
Treatment Considerations of UroLift®
- Recurrence potential: While successful in reducing symptoms initially, the procedure does not address the underlying cause of BPH, which is that a patient is experiencing an enlarged prostate.
- Side effects: Potential for temporary side effects like bleeding, infection, and pain, especially in older patients or those with certain medical conditions.
- Size limitation: Not recommended for prostates above 50 grams in size, as effectiveness may be limited.
- Short-term effectiveness: Studies suggest up to 12% of patients may require re-treatment within two years.
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
PAE tackles BPH from a different angle, focusing on the prostate’s blood supply. Its key feature is the use of microscopic embolic beads, similar to tiny sand grains, injected into the prostate arteries.
How it Works
- Precise Delivery: Under image guidance, a thin catheter is inserted through the wrist or thigh and navigated to the prostate arteries.
- Blood Flow Restriction: The embolic beads are released within the arteries, strategically blocking blood flow to the prostate.
- Shrinking the Prostate: With reduced blood supply, the prostate gradually shrinks in size, alleviating pressure on the urethra and improving urine flow.
Benefits of PAE
- Minimally invasive: Only injections of microscopic embolic beads involved, minimizing risks and allowing for a rapid recovery within 24 hours.
- Large prostate suitability: Effective for prostates of all sizes, even those exceeding the limitations of UroLift®.
- Long-term relief: Studies suggest lower recurrence rates compared to UroLift®, potentially offering a more lasting solution.
Treatment Considerations of PAE
- Post-PAE syndrome: Temporary side effects like nausea, fever, and pelvic pain can occur in the days following the procedure, but typically resolve within a few days.
Why PAE Often Emerges as the Superior Option
When it comes to improving quality of life and offering lasting relief, PAE often emerges as the optimal solution for men with BPH for the following reasons:
Versatility in Treating Larger Prostates
PAE is effective regardless of prostate size, making it a more universally applicable treatment, especially for those with larger prostates where UroLift® is less effective.
Long-Term Effectiveness
Studies suggest PAE has lower recurrence rates, indicating more lasting relief compared to UroLift®. This long-term efficacy can be crucial for many patients.
Comprehensive Symptom Relief
By reducing the prostate size, PAE addresses both the symptoms and the underlying issue of prostate enlargement, providing a more holistic treatment.
Advanced Technology
PAE utilizes sophisticated imaging and precision techniques, appealing to patients seeking a state-of-the-art medical solution.
Broader Health Benefits
At Prostate Specialists of Miami, our recommendation for men considering options for BPH treatment is PAE. PAE presents several advantages over UroLift®, notably ability to perform PAE on larger prostates and a lower incidence of early recurrence of symptoms.
Ready to Find Relief with a Leading Prostate Specialist Near You?
If you’ve been searching online for a “prostate specialist near me,” or for “prostate artery embolization near me,” connect with Prostate Specialists of Miami instead. Here, you have the opportunity to consult with Dr. Adam S. Gropper, a renowned prostate artery embolization doctor with over 20 years of dedicated experience in improving men’s health. In addition, Dr. Gropper served as an Associate Professor at FIU Medical School and recently retired from his position as Chief of Radiology at Jackson North Medical Center after 10 years of service.
Dr. Gropper’s expertise isn’t just in treating BPH – it’s about enhancing your overall quality of life. With his deep understanding of prostate health and commitment to personalized care, you’re not just another patient; you’re a partner in your journey towards wellness.
Don’t let an enlarged prostate define your life. Take the first step towards a better tomorrow. Call us at (786) 500-5347 or visit our website to fill out our online form. Schedule your consultation with one of the top prostate artery embolization doctors in the field. We’ll evaluate your condition, discuss if you’re a prime candidate for PAE, and answer all your questions.
Before you go, we invite you to download our FREE guide, “5 Reasons to Choose Prostate Artery Embolization,” and discover why PAE could be the best choice for you.
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Prostate Specialists of Miami
15400 Biscayne Boulevard #104
Aventura, FL 33160
(786) 500-5347
https://prostatespecialistmiami.com/
