Anabolic-androgenic steroid effects on early morbid symptoms after open prostatectomy: a pilot study

Anabolic-androgenic steroids such as Nandrolone phenpropionate (NP) dramatically improve the tolerance to acute stress conditions, strength, and subsequently the quality of life in elderly men. We hypothesize that preoperative pulse-dose supraphysiological NP administration might improve the early morbid symptoms in older patients undergoing open prostatectomy.

From 2005 to 2006, 54 patients with a mean age of 70 years, diagnosed as benign prostatic hyperplasia and hospitalized for open prostatectomy were enrolled in the study. They were randomly selected to receive preoperative supraphysiological NP (100 mg, intramuscularly, pulse-dose) or sesame oil placebo, prospectively. Early postoperative morbid symptoms including subjective urinary symptoms (dysuria, bladder retention sensation), incision site pain and general satisfaction of their current urinary condition were assessed by a 6-point scale, self-administrated questionnaire at 24 and 48 h, postoperatively. The sex hormone binding globulin and the testosterone levels were also measured.

The 24-h postoperative symptoms were significantly reduced in the NP group compared to the placebo (6.18 +/- 2.81 versus 9.77 +/- 2.15; P < 0.001). The postoperative symptoms were reported to have a decline in the 48 h following operation, though was calculated to be statistically insignificant (4.48 +/- 2.32 versus 5.55 +/- 1.84; P = 0.06). There was no complication attributed to NP therapy.

The data supported the hypothesis that the preoperative anabolic steroid supplements (such as NP) could result in a better postoperative endurance in elderly men undergoing open prostatectomy. Further studies, longer and repeated pulse injections in a larger number of older men are mandatory to prove the claim.