Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate using water as the irrigation fluid: Our initial experience

Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (M-TURP) has been the gold standard of surgical intervention in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia with the indication for surgery. This can be achieved using varieties of irrigation fluids.

To document our experience with M-TURP using water as irrigation fluid in 123 consecutive patients.

A retrospective study of all patients who had M-TURP with water as irrigation fluid was performed between January 2017 and July 2019. Information retrieved from theatre records and case notes includes patient's socio-demographic data, indications for surgery, intra-operative findings, the volume of resected chips and irrigation fluid used, post-operative complications and patient's satisfaction with the outcome of the procedure. These data were analysed using SPSS version 23.

Data from 123 patients were analysed and presented. The age range was 44-96 years with a mean of 69 years. Prostate volume ranges from 13.9 to 276.00 mls with a mean of 95.69 mls while resected prostate volume ranges from 2.0 to 158.0 mls with a mean of 56.68 mls. Volume of the sterile water used as irrigation fluid ranged from 5.0 L to 174.0 L with a mean of 68.7 L. Mean reduction in International Prostate Symptoms Score, improvement in Q-max and reduction in post-void residual urine were 22.1, 16.9 and 141.6 mls, respectively. Transfusion rate was 6.5% while the duration of admission ranges from 1 to 6 days, with a mean of 2.5 days. The overall complication rate was 26.0%. Ninety-six percent were satisfied with the outcome.

M-TURP using water as irrigation fluid is safe and is as good as using the more rather expensive glycine or normal saline in bipolar TURP.