DETECTION OF FLUID ABSORBTION DURING TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF PROSTATE (TURP)

Objectives: The aim of this study is to find out the efficacy of alcometernin early diagnosis of fluid absorption during TURP.Material and Methods: The study involves monitoring of ethanol level in end expiratory breath with the help of Alcometer for early detection of irrigation fluid absorption during transurethral resection of prostate. The results so obtained were compared with simultaneous change in serum sodium level and any change in clinical feature related to fluid absorption. The irrigant used during surgery was 1.5% glycine with 1% ethanol added to it.Results: The result confirmed that the ethanol breath test is a reliable method of early detection of fluid absorption during TURP. The extent of fluid absorption detected by alcometer correlate well with drop in serum sodium level due to haemodilution. These changes were more pronounced when the duration of resection exceeds 30 minutes.Conclusion: The alcometer provides as reliable and quick method of detecting water absorption during TURP to give an early warning to the anesthetist of transurethral syndrome.