Scand J Urol Nephrol
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Scand J Urol Nephrol · Jan 1989
Monitoring irrigating fluid absorption during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP); a comparison between 1 and 2% ethanol as a tracer.
In a series of 35 transurethral resections of the prostate 1% ethanol was compared to 2% ethanol as a marker of the irrigating fluid. The ethanol concentration in the expired breath of the patient (EB-ethanol) correlated significantly to the irrigant absorption, as measured volumetrically, and to the change in the serum sodium concentration at 10-min intervals during the operation. ⋯ The sensitivity was twice as great with 2% ethanol; however, 1% ethanol is sufficient for routine procedures as it permits absorption to be detected long before it is large enough to produce a TUR syndrome. Monitoring ethanol in the expired breath provides the surgeon with an instrument to check that preventive steps against further absorption are effective.