The effect of warm irrigation on blood loss during transurethral prostatectomy under spinal anaesthesia

In this prospective trial a study was made of the effect of warm irrigation on blood loss during transurethral prostatectomy (TURP). A control group of 21 patients in whom irrigating fluid at operating room temperature (mean 21.5 degrees C) had been used was compared with a statistically comparable group of 19 patients in whom warm irrigating fluid (mean 33.1 degrees C) had been used. Blood loss in ml, in ml/g of tissue resected and in ml/min of resection time was not increased by the use of warm rather than room temperature irrigation. It was found that warm irrigation decreased heat loss and shivering in the patient during TURP and led to improved comfort both for patient and operator. The method of heating the irrigation bags was safe and economical.