The first-generation device resulted in a favorable side effect profile, but a considerable number of patients failed to benefit from treatment. Software modifications have increased the ablative energy, but the complication rate has risen with the increase power. Once the odds-on competition for TURP , laser has fallen out of favor with some urologists. The procedure originally won support because of the amount of tissue that could be ablated. However, electrovaporization has proved capable of ablating more tissue per treatment period.
Laser is associated with a prolonged tissue-sloughing period.
Specifically, finasteride's benefits appear limited to men whose prostates are larger than 40g. Alpha-blockers also relieve symptoms in men with larger prostates, but finasteride may offer advantages related to tolerability, especially in older patients. Contact Information Copyright 2001 Methodist Health Care System, Houston, Tx. All Rights Reserved. Please read our disclaimer and privacy policy .