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The Treatment Tradeoff Matrix
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The Treatment Tradeoff Matrix. Treatment selection balances severity, mechanism, urgency, durability, reversibility, burden, complications, cost, and patient goals. Labels: Observation/behavior; Medication; Office procedure; Surgery; Mechanism fit; Onset; Durability; Reversibility; Side effects; Recovery/anesthesia; Need for repeat treatment; Cost/access; Effect on urinary/sexual function; Varies by condition; Cancer, infection, organ damage, severe obstruction, or threatened blood flow may change the sequence.