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Transurethral prostatic resection syndrome--a new perspective: encephalopathy with associated hyperammonemia
The Journal of Urology
|October 1, 1983
Summary
Transurethral prostatic resection can cause encephalopathy in some patients due to high blood ammonia levels. Identifying this subpopulation is key for managing this serious complication.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Urology
Background:
- Transurethral prostatic resection (TURP) is a common surgical procedure.
- Glycine irrigation is frequently used during TURP.
Observation:
- Three patients developed encephalopathy post-TURP.
- These patients exhibited blood ammonia levels over 10 times the normal limit.
Findings:
- A prospective study confirmed a metabolic cause for encephalopathy in TURP patients using glycine irrigation.
- Marked elevation of blood ammonia levels was observed concurrently with encephalopathic symptoms.
Implications:
- A distinct subpopulation of patients susceptible to TURP syndrome with encephalopathy can be identified.
- Early identification and monitoring of ammonia levels may prevent severe neurological complications.