Effect of 5alpha-reductase Inhibitor (Finasteride) on Bleeding during Transurethral Resection of Prostate

ABSTRACT

PUROPOSE The efficacy of finasteride in the treatment of hematuria associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is well known. Recent studies have also shown that finasteride reduce angiogenesis and prostatic bleeding associated with BPH. We evaluated that pretreatment with finasteride could decrease perioperative bleeding associated with transurethral resectrion of prostate (TURP) in this way. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 56 patients who underwent TURP due to BPH between January 2004 and August 2006 were evaluated. Of the patients, 30 recieved pretreatment with finasteride 5mg daily (group 1) while 26 did not undergo any pretreatment (control group). In the group 1, 17 had pretreatment period of 3months or more (group 2). In all patients we evaluated the degree of perioperative bleeding, intended as a reduction tendency in hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) value in the 24 h following TURP. Also, we evaluated the correlation of the preoperative factor and postoperative change of Hb and Hct. RESULTS: Difference of reduction tendency in Hb and Hct between group 1 and control group was not significant (p=0.86, 0.95, respectively). Difference between group 2 and control was not significant (p=0.56, 0.29, respectively). The change of Hb and Hct correlated with prostate volume, significantly (p=0.006, 0.010). Also, operation time was correlated with the change of Hb and Hct (p=0.006, 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant difference of the perioperative bleeding according to finasteride medication or medication duration.