Effect of continuous irrigation with normal saline after prostatectomy

Normal saline solution is often used for continuous irrigation of the bladder following prostatectomy in order to prevent clot retention. There is usually a concern for possible sodium reabsorption and consequent fluid retention. Considering the harmful cardiovascular effect in elderly patients who usually come for prostatectomy, fluid retention could be detrimental. Therefore we have hitherto given daily lasix injections routinely during continuous irrigation of the bladder with normal saline solution. This study is designed to find out if the amount of sodium reabsorbed is significant enough to justify the practice. The amount reabsorbed is indeed not significant (p > 0.05). A plea is therefore made to give lasix injection following prostatectomy only if there is a clinical indication for it.