Haemodilution during transurethral resection of the prostate using water as the irrigant fluid

Of 58 patients who underwent transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), in whom water was used as the irrigant fluid, four patients had clinical evidence of the "TURP syndrome" (1). Although the serum sodium decreased to less than 120 in 7 patients, only one of them had clinical signs. Reduction in haemoglobin and serum proteins caused no untoward signs. It is concluded that water is an acceptable irrigant fluid.