Effect of coagulating and cutting current on a demand pacemaker during transurethral resection of the prostate. A case report.

Electromagnetic interference from diathermy apparatus can be a real hazard in a patient with a demand pacemaker. A case is reported in which the cutting current of transurethral electrocautery deactivated an implanted pacemaker, while coagulating current did not alter pacemaker activity. Therefore frequent short bursts of cutting current were used for successful resection of the prostate. This case emphasizes the need for vigilant care of patients with demand pacemakers requiring transurethral resection.