Serum acid phosphatase elevation associated with transurethral resection syndromes.

In 6 patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms of post-transurethral prostate resection syndrome developed. Serum acid phosphatase determinations in the recovery room showed that all patients had high acid phosphatase levels although each had normal levels preoperatively. All patients showed a normal acid phosphatase level on the first postoperative day. The acid phosphatase elevations indicate significant intraoperative absorption of prostate tissue substances. The association of clinical symptoms with enzyme elevation suggests that the etiology of the confusing clinical syndromes following transurethral prostate surgery may be due to the intravenous absorption of not only irrigant solution but also tissue substances from the prostate gland.