Lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction--what's the long-term effectiveness of medical therapies?

The primary treatment goal in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is symptom relief. However, it is also important to assess the effects of medical treatments on disease progression because this can lead to complications such as acute urinary retention or can ultimately require surgical treatment. In a placebo-controlled study finasteride was shown to reduce the incidence of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery in patients with LUTS suggestive of BPO. While alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists are superior to finasteride with regard to LUTS relief, systematic studies on their effects on BPO complications and progression to surgery are not available. However, we reviewed a number of smaller studies which consistently indicate that alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists may be at least as effective as finasteride in the prevention of acute urinary retention or the need for surgery in patients with LUTS suggestive of BPO. While this needs to be confirmed in adequately designed and powered studies, such evidence should be taken into consideration when choosing between alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonists and finasteride treatment.