Is routine post-operative haemoglobin measurement required after transurethral resection of the prostate?

The aim of this study is to evaluate the rate of blood transfusion during the post-operative period in patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and to determine the value of using post-operative haemoglobin (Hb) measurement as a guide to transfusion requirements. In a retrospective study, pre- and post-operative Hb measurements and the resected prostatic tissue weights were recorded for 106 patients. There was a statistically significant change in the Hb concentration within 48 h of the operation (P < 0.0001), although this was clinically insignificant in the majority of patients. The post-operative blood transfusion rate was 0.85% and there was a significant correlation between change in Hb concentration and the resected tissue weight (P < 0.0001). Our results show that routine post-operative Hb is not necessary in patients following a TURP.