Coma from hyponatremia following transurethral resection of prostate

Even though hyponatremia may occur following transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), only 14 patients of a large TURP population deteriorated to a comatose state as a result of hyponatremia. These patients were generally older, with larger prostates, and longer resection times than the average for transurethral resection of the prostate. They also consistently had serum sodium levels postoperatively of near 120 mEq./L. or below. It was noted that obtundation can occur immediately or be delayed several hours. Even though no deaths occurred, awareness of the possibility of post-TURP hyponatremia and prompt treatment with hypertonic saline were shown to reduce morbidity significantly.