Skip the Scalpel – 5 Reasons to Choose PAE vs Surgery

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a common urological condition that affects over half of men in their 60s and up to 80% of men over 70. Traditionally, surgery has been the go-to solution for moderate to severe BPH symptoms, but in recent years, an innovative and less invasive procedure known as prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has emerged as a highly effective alternative.

If you or a loved one is facing treatment decisions for an enlarged prostate, it may be time to consider skipping the scalpel. In fact, there are some pretty compelling reasons why PAE  may be the better option and why the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT) is the place to explore this groundbreaking solution.

Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

1. Minimally Invasive Equals Less Risk

Compared to traditional surgical options like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)or a prostatectomy, PAE involves no cutting, no general anesthesia, and no hospital stay. The risk of bleeding, infection, and complications is dramatically reduced.

Why?

Because PAE is performed through a tiny catheter inserted into the artery, usually through the groin or wrist. The interventional radiologist then guides the catheter to the arteries that supply blood to the prostate and injects microscopic particles to reduce blood flow. This causes the prostate to shrink over time, relieving symptoms without the need to cut or remove tissue.

Science says: A 2021 study published in European Urology found that PAE had a significantly lower complication rate compared to TURP, with fewer hospitalizations and post-operative issues.

2. Faster Recovery Means A Quicker Return to Normal Life

Surgery for BPH can involve days in the hospital and weeks of recovery at home. Patients often require a catheter for several days post-op and can experience discomfort or urinary issues as the body heals.

In contrast, PAE is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you undergo the treatment and return home the same day. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, without the need for prolonged catheter use or painful recovery.

Real-world impact: A clinical trial published in Science Direct reported that PAE patients resumed normal activities up to three times faster than those undergoing surgical procedures like TURP.

3. Preserves Sexual Function and Continence

One of the most significant concerns for men facing BPH surgery is the potential for sexual side effects, in particular, issues such as retrograde ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or urinary incontinence. Unfortunately, surgical procedures like TURP can carry these risks due to their invasive nature and impact on surrounding nerves and structures. On the contrary, because PAE is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure, it preserves the anatomy of the prostate and surrounding tissues, meaning there’s a much lower chance of it affecting sexual function or continence.

Clinical evidence: A 2020 systematic review found that those who underwent PAE vs surgery experienced little to no impact on erectile function. More importantly, they also experienced reduced ejaculatory disorders compared to surgical procedures

4. Long-lasting Results Without Surgery

One common myth about less invasive treatments is that they offer only temporary relief. However, the results from PAE have been proven to be both durable and effective over time.

In studies with follow-up periods of over 3 years, most patients report significant symptom relief comparable to TURP without needing a repeat procedure. PAE has also been shown to improve both urinary symptoms and overall quality of life.

Evidence-backed outcomes: A landmark study published in Interventional News in 2024 tracked patients for up to 11 years post-PAE and found significant and sustained relief from lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign hyperplasia. 

5. Ideal for High-Risk or Older Patients

Many patients with BPH are older and may have comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues that make surgery and anesthesia risky. PAE is often an ideal solution for these individuals, as it avoids the need for general anesthesia and can be performed with minimal stress on the body.

Ultimately, this makes PAE not only a less invasive option but in some cases, the only safe option for patients who are not surgical candidates.

Expert endorsement: The Society of Interventional Radiology endorses PAE as a safe, effective alternative for men who are poor surgical candidates or prefer to avoid surgery.

Now you know why PAE is the smart choice vs surgery…

Why Choose MINT for Your PAE Procedure?

At the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT), we specialize in advanced, image-guided procedures like prostatic artery embolization. Our team is led by Dr Akinwande, an experienced interventional radiologist, who is a pioneer in non-surgical solutions for vascular and urological conditions.

When you choose MINT, you’re not just choosing a procedure—you’re choosing:

• Compassionate, personalized care
• State-of-the-art imaging and equipment
• A comfortable outpatient setting
• A team that’s committed to helping you avoid surgery whenever possible

Our mission is simple: Give patients powerful alternatives to invasive surgery, with better outcomes and faster recoveries.

Are You Ready to Reclaim Your Comfort Without Surgery?

If you’ve been told you need surgery for an enlarged prostate, or you’re frustrated with medications that aren’t working, it’s time to consider a better path forward. Contact the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT) today to schedule a consultation at one of our clinics and learn if PAE is right for you.

Skip the scalpel. Call today, choose PAE and opt for better relief without compromise.