Finasteride as a Neo-Adjuvant Treatment for TURP: Literature Review
February 2016
in “
Journal of urology and nephrology open access
”
TLDR Finasteride, a drug that prevents testosterone conversion, can effectively reduce blood loss in prostate surgery, especially for patients with a prostatic volume over 30 cc, and decrease post-surgery complications.
The literature review conducted by Attia D, Kotb AF in 2016 examined the role of Finasteride, a selective 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitor, in decreasing blood loss associated with Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). The review found that Finasteride is an effective drug that can be considered pre-TURP for patients with a prostatic volume of more than 30 cc. The duration of treatment ranges from 1-6 weeks depending on the prostatic volume. The drug works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which leads to a decrease in symptoms of urethral obstruction and hematuria. Hematuria resolves within 1-2 weeks after treatment with Finasteride in 80% of patients. Preoperative treatment with Finasteride is essential to decrease perioperative bleeding and consequently to decrease the rate of postoperative complications.
