Alternatives to TURP: Exploring Modern Prostate Treatments

Introduction: Why Patients Look Beyond TURP

For decades, TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate) has been the standard surgical treatment for enlarged prostate (BPH). But many men are understandably hesitant.

⚠️ Reasons patients avoid TURP:

• Requires anesthesia and hospital stay
• Painful recovery with catheter
• Risks of erectile dysfunction, incontinence, strictures
• “Invasive” nature feels outdated

The good news? Today, men in Mumbai have multiple modern alternatives to TURP — from medicines and lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures like PAE.

Why TURP Isn’t the Only Option Anymore

TURP works, but its risks make many men (and their families) explore other choices.

• Erectile dysfunction: ~5% risk
• Permanent incontinence: ~7%
• Strictures (scarring): ~6%
• Retrograde ejaculation: ~65–70%
• Long recovery: 3–4 weeks

📌 Key insight: Advances in medicine now allow safe, effective, and less invasive alternatives — many already available in Mumbai.

TURP Alternatives – Complete Overview

1. Medicines

• Alpha blockers (Tamsulosin, Alfuzosin): Relax prostate muscles.
• 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors (Dutasteride, Finasteride): Shrink prostate slowly.
• Combination therapy: For larger prostates.

⚠️ Works only in mild–moderate cases. Doesn’t cure BPH. Side effects common.

2. Laser & Heat-Based Procedures

• GreenLight Laser / HoLEP (Holmium laser): Vaporises prostate tissue.
• Rezūm Water Vapour Therapy: Uses steam to burn/shrink tissue.
• TUNA/TUMT: Older heat-based methods, less used now.

⚠️ Still invasive. Risks of burning, scarring, and side effects similar to TURP.

3. UroLift System

• Small implants lift prostate tissue away from urethra.
• Minimally invasive, no cutting.
• Quick recovery.

⚠️ Limited availability in India. Not ideal for very large prostates.

4. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

• Minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure.
• Blocks blood supply to prostate → gradual shrinkage.
• No anesthesia, no catheter, same-day discharge.
• Almost zero sexual side effects.

📌 Already available at Docsy partner centres in Mumbai and Pune.

TURP vs Modern Alternatives – Comparison

H2: Patient Experiences

• Mr. Rao, 67 (Chembur): Medicines failed. Urologist suggested TURP. After learning about risks, he opted for PAE. Back to work in 4 days.
• Mr. Deshmukh, 72 (Andheri): Chose GreenLight laser. Recovery took 2 weeks, still has some urgency.
• Mr. Shaikh, 60 (Pune): Tried home remedies, then medicines. Finally underwent PAE. “Best decision — no catheter, no side effects.”

FAQs – Alternatives to TURP

Q1. Are alternatives as effective as TURP?
Yes. PAE and laser therapies provide similar symptom relief, with fewer risks.

Q2. Is PAE available everywhere in India?
No. Only at select advanced centres, including Docsy partner hospitals.

Q3. Can medicines alone avoid surgery?
Only in mild/moderate cases. For severe cases, surgery or PAE is needed.

Q4. Which is safest for elderly patients?
PAE — because it avoids anesthesia and hospitalisation.

Conclusion: Modern Choices, Better Outcomes

TURP is no longer the only option for men with enlarged prostate (BPH). Medicines, laser therapies, UroLift, and especially PAE offer safer, quicker, and more comfortable alternatives.

Among these, PAE stands out as the most advanced, minimally invasive solution — with same or better results as TURP, but without the risks of sexual dysfunction or incontinence.

At Docsy, we help you choose wisely:

• Free Care Navigator + urologist consultations
• Free OPD + ultrasound in Mumbai
• World-class centres offering PAE with international standards
• Full insurance support