A comparison of fluid absorption during transurethral resection and transurethral vaporization for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objectives To compare the absorption of irrigant fluid during transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Patients and methods Thirty patients with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia were randomly assigned to undergo TURP or TUVP; 1.5% glycine + 1% ethanol solution was used as the irrigating solution. The volume of irrigant absorbed during surgery was estimated from the ethanol concentration in the patient's expired breath, sampled every 10 min. Results In both groups, the estimated absorbed fluid volume increased with the duration of surgery (P < 0.05). At the end of surgery, the mean (median, range) fluid absorption during TUVP was 672 (606, 0-1400) mL and during TURP was 1347 (975, 453-2965) mL; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion Although TURP has a greater associated risk of fluid absorption than TUVP there may still be severe fluid absorption with the latter. Even though TUVP is potentially less harmful than TURP in poor-risk patients, ethanol monitoring is beneficial for increasing patient safety.