Der Anaesthesist
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The absorption of irrigation solution during transurethral prostatic resection may lead to the life-threatening condition of the so-called TUR syndrome. For a long time no early recognition procedure was easily and routinely available. This study was set up to investigate the effectiveness of ethanol as an early indicator of beginning absorption, as described by Hulten. ⋯ It was thus proven that the addition of ethanol to the irrigating fluid and monitoring of the patient's exhaled breath with the Alco-testmonitor is a simple, non-invasive system that can be routinely used for early detection of absorption during transurethral prostatic resection. Adequate adjustment of the further course of the operation was possible. The dreaded TUR syndrome did not develop in any of the patients monitored in this way.