[The effects of various anaesthetic techniques on central venous pressure during transurethral prostatectomy...

Central venous pressure was measured in 34 persons who had transurethral prostatectomy in general or regional anaesthesia. The aim of the investigation was to ascertain to what extent measurement of the central venous pressure as a parameter of blood volume can help towards the early diagnosis of hypervolaemia caused by the leakage of irrigation fluid into the patient's circulation. During general anaesthesia blood pressure and central venous pressure reached their maximum 10 minutes later and were significantly higher than was the case in regional anaesthesia. For detecting and preventing dangerous hypervolaemia during transurethral prostatectomy in general anaesthesia routine recording of the central venous pressure is recommended. The less severe reaction during regional anaesthesia on the circulation is probably attributable to a sympathicolytic effect and peripheral pooling. The early detection of the leakage syndrome is easier in the conscious patient.