Assessment of metabolic and acid-base changes during trans-urethral resection of prostate

ABSTRACT

TURP patients are usually critically ill and suffer from multiple diseases. The use of irrigation fluid has its own risks. This study was carried out to detect if any acid base disorders develop in these patients. Thirty patients received general anesthesia with controlled ventilation to maintain normocarbia. Arterial blood gases, electrolytes and lactate were determined preoperatively, 30 minutes after the start of the procedure and after finishing the operation. The present study revealed mild acidosis that can be explained on the basis of the Stewart concept as a decreased strong ion difference acidosis. This may pay our attention to acid base monitoring in TURP patients when there is too much absorption of the irrigation fluid and in prolonged cases