Occurrence of Post-orchiectomy Hot Flushes in Nigerians: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Background: Hot flushes have been reported in men after bilateral orchiectomy for carcinoma of the prostate, but such complaints are uncommon in the urology clinics in Nigeria. This study set out to determine the occurrence of hot flushes in Nigerian patients who had bilateral orchiectomy for advanced carcinoma of the prostate.



Method: Twenty-four patients seen over a five-year period were prospectively evaluated. They all had bilateral orchiectomies for advanced carcinoma of the prostate.



Result: Fourteen (58%) of patients studied had hot flushes of varying frequency and severity. All started within eight weeks of the operation. Empirical treatment with 1mg diethylstilboesterol daily was effective and abolished symptoms in all the patients within four weeks of commencement of therapy.



Conclusion: Post-orchiectomy hot flushes of enough severity to necessitate treatment do occur in Nigerians and effort should be made to diagnose and treat them.

(Nig J Surg Res 2001; 3: 56 – 61)





KEY WORDS:

Prostate cancer, Treatment, Orchiectomy, Diethylstilboestrol, Hot flushes