Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-treatment with Serenoa repens (Permixon®) in reducing intra- and postoperative complications of surgical treatments of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Methods: A total of 144 patients with BPH, who were candidates for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy (OP), were admitted to the study and randomized to receive either a daily pre-treatment with 320 mg of Serenoa repens, Permixon® for two months prior to surgery (G1) or to undergo surgery without any pre-treatment (G2). Preoperative and postoperative courses were carefully monitored for each patient.
Results: Of the 144 patients, 24 dropped out of the trial: 10 in G1 and 14 in G2. In G1, the duration of surgery was significantly shorter than in G2 (59.8 min vs. 77.6 min, respectively; P<0.001), no intraoperative complications were observed (0% vs. 15% in the control group; P=0.001) and transfusion needs were remarkably lower (0% in G1vs. 38.33% in G2; P<0.001). The postoperative course was significantly more favorable in G1 (with a shorter duration of catheterization, 64.95 h vs. 91.7 h in G2; P<0.001). There was also a significant change in hemodynamic parameters and the length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the pretreated group (5.92 d in G1 vs. 7.92 d in G2; P<0.001).
Conclusion: These data suggest that pre-treatment with Serenoa repens before surgery (TURP or OP) for BPH is effective in reducing intra- and postoperative complications.