Blood loss during transurethral resection of the prostate.

Blood loss during operation was measured in 106 patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate, using a colorimetric technique. The total blood loss was related to the length of operation and the weight of prostate resected. There was no relationship between blood pressure and the blood loss during operation. However there was a significant reduction in blood loss if the patient received a regional rather than a general anaesthetic. Blood loss was lower in those patients undergoing prostatectomy for carcinomatous disease.