[Obturator nerve block in transurethral surgery]

The obturator nerve passes in close proximity to the bladder as it courses through the pelvis. During transurethral operations, resection may result in stimulation of the obturator nerve, causing violent adductor contraction. Bladder perforation and incomplete tumor resection are the most important complications. All techniques proposed since transurethral surgery began, until nowadays are reviewed: neuromuscular blockade, electric circuit modifications, transparietal endoscopic blockade, periprostatic and subvesical infiltration, obturator nerve blockade and the "3 in 1 block" described by Winnie. Practical advices are proposed finally.