[The current principles of the conservative treatment of patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy]

The etiopathogenesis, risk factors, and natural history of benign prostate hyperplasia are issues still not well enough clarified. Hormonal factors, stroma/epithelial interactions and cell mechanisms are among the underlying causes implicated. So far, no sound criteria for the choice of a conservative therapeutic approach to the condition have been worked out. The diverse treatment alternatives include hyperthermia, balloon dilatation, and administration of 5-alpha-reductase and aromatic inhibitors, as well as some phyto-preparations. Comparative assessment of the various methods point to the superiority of Finasterid administration. The latter, given at 5 mg daily dose leads to a reduction of clinical symptomatology, and decrease in prostate adenoma volume. The advantages of the method consist in preservation of the patient's libido and erectile capabilities, attributable to the normal plasma testosterone levels during prolonged drug taking. Specification of the indications for Finasterid treatment contribute to reduce operative activity in stage I of the disease.