Flomax

Dear Dr. SerVaas,

I would appreciate your comment based on the few facts and figures I can furnish here.

I am scheduled for a prostate procedure in about six months. As described to me, the prostate was affected by a bladder infection and became swollen to the point where voiding was no longer possible. The infection was incidental to an angiogram, preliminary to a stent being inserted. Later a urologist said I was not a good subject for the latest prostate technology, Can you comment? Is my age (87) a factor?

W. Dumas

Marana, Arizona

In general, drug therapy and minimally invasive treatments are safe and effective options for an enlarged prostate, explains urology expert Dr. Phillip Mosbaugh. He provides the following information:

"Conventional medical therapy for an enlarged prostate includes alpha-blocker drugs such as Flomax to relax the smooth muscle in the prostate. Medications called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (Proscar, for example) help shrink the prostate. If the problem is in part due to prostate cancer, a three- to six-month trial of hormonal therapy might be helpful.

"Recent advances in minimally invasive prostatic procedures may also be of benefit. Microwave thermotherapy, various laser techniques, and prostatic stenting are performed in ambulatory settings with light anesthesia. Advanced age increases the risk involved with any major operative procedure, which is why the lesser invasive ones mentioned would be at least worth considering."

Readers may send their letters to Cory SerVaas, M.D., 1100 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46202 or via e-mail: cservaasmd@aol.com. Please include mailing address.

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