Monitoring fluid absorption during TURP by marking the irrigating solution with ethanol

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Biochemistry
• Medical Monitoring

Background:

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) involves irrigating fluids that can be absorbed by the body.
• Monitoring the absorption of irrigating fluid is crucial for patient safety during TURP.
• Existing methods for monitoring irrigating fluid absorption may be complex or invasive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ethanol as a marker for irrigating fluid absorption during TURP.
• To assess the feasibility of detecting absorbed ethanol in a patient's expired breath.
• To determine if ethanol can indicate the extent and effectiveness of absorption monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Nine patients undergoing TURP used a 2% ethanol in 5% mannitol irrigating solution.
• Ethanol levels in expired breath were measured using an Alcolmeter.
• Four healthy volunteers received a 500 ml intravenous infusion of the irrigating fluid to simulate absorption.

Main Results:

• Ethanol was detected in the expired breath of patients, confirming irrigating fluid absorption.
• Intravenous infusion in volunteers demonstrated that even small ethanol amounts yield significant breath concentrations.
• Expired ethanol levels decreased rapidly once the infusion was stopped, indicating real-time monitoring capability.

Conclusions:

• Marking TURP irrigating fluid with ethanol is a simple and effective method to indicate absorption.
• This technique allows for real-time monitoring of fluid absorption and its course.
• Ethanol detection in breath can be used to evaluate the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing absorption.