"Electrolyte Changes in Monopolar and Bipolar Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) – A Prospective Randomized Study."

Abstract

Prostatectomy and Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) have been the surgical options for men with obstructive symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Various clinical manifestations, produced due to the absorption of large volumes of irrigating fluid during TURP, are referred to as TURP syndrome. In this study, we have analyzed the changes in serum electrolytes while using irrigating fluids such as 1.5% glycine and Normal saline while performing TURP using Monopolar and Bipolar procedures respectively. A prospective, randomized study was conducted on 88 male patients belonging to the age group of 50 to 86 years over a period of 19 months. 1.5% glycine was used in 46 cases and Normal saline in 42 cases for irrigation. The weight of the prostate gland ranged from 25 gms to 90 gms. The duration of the TURP surgery ranged from 10 min to 90 min. The volume of 1.5% glycine used, ranged from 5l (litres) to 21 l and the volume of normal saline ranged from 5l to 36l. The changes in serum electrolytes that occurred during the procedure were correlated with duration of the procedure, volume of 1.5% glycine and Normal saline used and weight of prostate gland resected. The electrolyte changes during Monopolar and Bipolar TURP were same. Use of Normal Saline did not have any advantages over glycine in patients undergoing TURP.