PAE Procedure in Mumbai: Cost, Recovery & Patient Experience

Introduction: A New Era in Prostate Treatment

For decades, men suffering from enlarged prostate (BPH) who didn’t improve with medicines had only one option: surgery, usually TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate). While effective, TURP requires anesthesia, hospital stay, catheterisation, and carries risks like erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

Now, a revolutionary alternative is available in Mumbai: Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). It’s a minimally invasive, day-care procedure performed by interventional radiologists. With no major cuts, no general anesthesia, no long recovery, and almost no sexual side effects, PAE is fast becoming the treatment of choice worldwide.

What Exactly Is PAE?

• Procedure: A catheter is inserted into the groin or wrist artery.
• Guided by advanced X-ray imaging, the doctor reaches prostate arteries.
• Tiny particles (microspheres) are released, blocking blood flow.
• Over weeks, the prostate shrinks naturally, easing pressure on the bladder.

📌 Key features:

• Local anesthesia only
• Same-day discharge
• Almost painless
• Minimal risk of sexual side effects

Why Choose PAE Over TURP or Laser Surgery?

TURP: The Traditional Option

• Requires spinal/general anesthesia.
• 2–3 days hospital stay.
• Catheter for 3–5 days.
• Risks: erectile dysfunction, incontinence, strictures.

Laser Procedures (GreenLight, HoLEP, Rezūm)

• Less invasive than TURP, but still involve burning/cutting tissue.
• Same risks of sexual side effects.

PAE: The Modern Alternative

• No cuts, no burning.
• Local anesthesia only.
• Day-care procedure.
• Same/better symptom relief as TURP.
• Almost zero sexual side effects.

PAE Procedure – Step by Step

1. Pre-procedure evaluation
   • Consultation with urologist & interventional radiologist
   • Ultrasound, IPSS score, sometimes MRI or CT angiography
2. On the day of procedure
   • Local anesthesia given at groin or wrist
   • Small catheter inserted into artery
3. During procedure
   • Catheter guided to prostate arteries under imaging
   • Microspheres injected to block blood supply
   • Prostate gradually shrinks
4. Post-procedure
   • Patient monitored for 2–4 hours
   • Usually discharged same evening
   • Back to normal routine in 2–3 days

Cost of PAE in Mumbai

• Docsy partner centres (Mumbai, Pune): ₹2.7–3.0 lakh
• Insurance: Covered by most Indian and international insurance providers
• Comparison:
  • TURP at top hospitals: ₹1.5–1.8 lakh (cheaper at small nursing homes, but unsafe)
  • Laser/other variants: ₹2–2.5 lakh
  • PAE: Slightly higher upfront cost, but better long-term outcomes

📌 Important: Choosing a cheaper option (like TURP at a small nursing home for ₹70K–1 lakh) carries much higher risks of complications, which cost far more to treat later.

Recovery After PAE – What Patients Experience

Typical Recovery Timeline

• Day 0: Discharge same evening, walk home.
• Day 1–2: Minor urinary frequency or burning (settles quickly).
• Day 3–4: Resume work, daily activities.
• 1–2 weeks: Noticeable improvement in symptoms.
• 1–3 months: Full benefit — reduced frequency, stronger stream, better sleep.

Patient Stories – Real Experiences

• Mr. Sharma, 64 (Chembur): “I walked into the hospital in the morning and by evening I was home. Two days later I was back at my shop.”
• Mr. Patel, 59 (Pune): “Medicines stopped working. TURP scared me because of side effects. PAE gave me relief without the fear of losing sexual function.”
• Mr. Iqbal, 71 (Bandra): “Insurance covered my PAE fully. I didn’t even need a catheter. I wish I knew about it earlier.”

Risks & Safety of PAE

• Very safe procedure when done by skilled interventional radiologists.
• Minor risks: bruising at catheter site, temporary frequency.
• Rare complications: accidental blockage of non-target artery (avoided with experienced IRs).
• Almost zero risk of erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence.

Who Is Eligible for PAE?

✅ Best suited for men with:

• Moderate to severe BPH symptoms (IPSS >15)
• Failed or intolerant to medicines
• High surgical risk (heart, diabetes, elderly)
• Concern about sexual side effects

❌ Not suitable for:

• Large median lobe growth
• Very small prostates (<30 cc)
• Patients with severe vascular disease blocking access

FAQs – PAE in Mumbai

Q1. Is PAE available in all hospitals?
No. Only a few advanced centres in India offer it, including Docsy partner hospitals in Mumbai and Pune.

Q2. Is it covered by insurance?
Yes, most insurers now cover PAE as a recognized treatment.

Q3. How long does the procedure take?
Usually 1.5–2 hours.

Q4. Can I drive home the same day?
Yes, in most cases — though doctors recommend having someone accompany you.

Conclusion: The Future of Prostate Care Is Here

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is transforming how men with enlarged prostate are treated. Safe, minimally invasive, with faster recovery and fewer side effects, it is the future of prostate care.

If you or your loved one are struggling with urinary symptoms in Mumbai, PAE may be the right choice — and Docsy is one of the few centres in India offering it at world-class standards.

At Docsy, we provide:

• Free Care Navigator consultations
• Free OPD + ultrasound in Mumbai (Chembur, Pune)
• Access to top interventional radiologists for PAE
• End-to-end support including insurance approval & post-procedure care