Should Finasteride Be Routinely Given Preoperatively for TURP?

This document reviews the use of finasteride as a preoperative treatment for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Four randomized controlled trials were analyzed, and the evidence suggests that finasteride can reduce intra- or postoperative bleeding after TURP without any long-lasting complications. Finasteride reduces the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the bloodstream, which reduces prostatic size and microvessel density (MVD), ultimately reducing prostatic bleeding/haematuria. However, the disparity between the studies included in the review makes it difficult to make a decisive recommendation based on the results given. Further studies are required to strengthen future recommendations regarding its use as a standard pre-TURP treatment.