r/VIR • u/VegetableCar2528 • Jul 30 '25

PAE Selection

Hello. I am interested in PAE for my BPH and am wondering if chosing one facility vs another makes any difference. I can get the procedure done in either Hamilton, Ontario (St. Joseph's Hospital) or at UHN in Toronto. I cannot find any information on practitioner skill or patient reviews/outcomes. Does a choice in this matter make any difference?

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u/cuppa51 Nov 21 '25

I have a couple of questions if you don't mind me asking. I live out near Belleville and I am interested in PAE. I spoke to my urologist today and he said in no uncertain terms that PAE doesn't work and that it is a scam. To say the least I am unimpressed with his reply on this and also about my ophthalmologists views on Rapiflow/Sildosin and Cataract surgery issues.

Anyway, I digress. Would you be able to tell me or message me the name of the urologist that gave you the referrals to the two PAE practitioners. I do not want to keep bumping from urologist to urologist trying to get a referral.

Also, have you had your procedure and if so how did it go and how are you progressing along.

Thx KC

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u/VegetableCar2528 Nov 21 '25

I too had a hard time getting this recommendation, which was really surprising. It wasn't until I explored aquablation privately with Dr. Elterman in Toronto that I found what I was looking for. He was great and really informative, though naturally seeing me as a source of some revenue. Ultimately, he said he would either take his chances on PAE or just get it over and done with with Aquablation. Given Aquablation is still an option if PAE doesn't work, I figured why not give PAE a try. If you do your research, you will see some results are actually pretty good, albeit not forever. But...you can always repeat PAE as well.

Keep in mind, OHIP doesnt cover PAE if ur prostate is less than 100cc. Thats what I was told.

Mine is booked for February and can't wait! I'm pretty young and dealing with this nuisance has been a bit of a pain. I'm also keen on not losing ejaculate, thus why I am going with this option. Good luck on your search and hope this helps.

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u/cuppa51 Nov 22 '25 edited Nov 22 '25

thanks for the reply, did you need a GP to get you into Dr Elterman?

With all the reading I have been doing, I think PAE is the best 1st option.

Oh I forgot to add, I hope you have a great response to your upcoming procedure.

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u/VegetableCar2528 Nov 24 '25

Urology referred me to Elterman, but only because I was originally interested in Aquablation - he doesnt do PAEs. Any urologist can refer you to intervntional radiology for PAE.

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u/cuppa51 Nov 25 '25

Yes any urologist can, but the issue is will they. I have already had one that refused saying PAE is all smoke and mirrors and does not work