How to master absorption during transurethral resection of the prostate: basic measures guided by the ethanol method

To evaluate the effect of basic measures to minimize the absorption of irrigating fluid during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to the planned end-point, using the ethanol method to guide the surgeon.

Forty-six patients underwent TURP with intermittent irrigation using sterile water and 2% ethanol. The ethanol content in the expired breath of the patients was assessed every 5 min using a breath-alcohol monitor. In 25 patients no absorption was indicated but 21 showed some absorption according to the ethanol analyses. The operator was then immediately alerted, paused briefly to determine the route of absorption and to take advantage of blood clots to seal off leakage sites. On resuming the resection, attention was given to the pressure gradients in the operating field, based on bladder compliance and the flow in the irrigating jet. Repeated ethanol analyses were used to assess the result and to guide the surgeon's efforts.

No operation had to be terminated prematurely; the mean absorption in the 21 patients in whom any ethanol was detected was 121 (75-230) mL. In 14 patients absorption occurred once, in six twice and in one there were three small absorption events. The group with absorption did not differ significantly from that with no absorption in operative duration (mean 48 and 47 min), resected weight (mean 32.8 and 31.6 g) or blood loss (mean 550 and 483 mL).

If the surgeon is alerted at the first positive ethanol reading, effective measures to minimize absorption can be taken early. Regular use of the ethanol method as an alarm system should permit TURP with a minimum of absorption and avoid an early interruption or premature termination of surgery because of absorption.