[Blood loss during transurethral resection of the prostate]

Measurement of the perioperative blood loss during transurethral resection of the prostate was performed using the modern HemoCue photometer in 100 men. The measurement lasts only 5-10 minutes. The median weight of the removed prostate was 28 grams and the operating time 60 minutes. The median blood loss was 393 ml (range 8-1843 ml) and was positively correlated to operating time, change in the peroperative blood pressure, volume of the irrigating fluid and the drop in the postoperative serum sodium. Perioperative measurements of the blood loss draw the surgeons' attention to the haemostasis, provide an objective measure of the most important factor for morbidity during TURP and allow a rational policy for blood transfusion. It is an advantage to place this measurement in the hands of professionals, i.e. laboratory technicians, who are trained to quality-secure the measurement and preserve the photometer.