LHRH analogues as primary treatment for urinary retention in patients with prostatic carcinoma

Thirty-one patients with retention of urine and carcinoma of the prostate were treated with LHRH analogues as primary therapy rather than prostatectomy; 21 patients voided without the need for surgical intervention. Patients presenting in acute retention of urine voided more readily than those presenting in chronic retention, with only 20% requiring surgery. This approach to treatment is safe, efficacious and cost effective.