RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether intraprostatic vasopressin (PVP) prevents the TURP syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three (33) consecutive patients, whose mean age was 68 years (range 54-85 years), with prostates clinically assessed as > 20 g comprised the study group who had vasopressin injected into the prostate transrectally before operation. Blood samples were taken both pre- and post-operatively and serum electrolyte and free Hb levels determined. The TURP irrigant was cooled, bioled water and the head of resecting pressure was kept at 70-80 cm H2O. The patients were breathalysed at 10-minute intervals. Sensorium was monitored continuously. Extreme care was taken to avoid/identify capsular damage during resection. RESULTS: There was no significant change in the clinical features studied - sensorium, pulse and blood pressure. Alcoholometer changes were very small indeed. Free Hb and serum Na+ were very little changed. CONCLUSION: Insignificant volumes of irrigation fluid entered the circulation during the procedure. There was therefore no risk of the patient developing the TURP syndrome. It appears that IPVP does prevent the TURP syndrome.(AU)