Total fluid balance during transurethral resection of the prostate.

All fluids given and recovered during and for 24 hours following transurethral resections of the prostate (TURP) in 35 elderly men were recorded and compared with the health status of the patient. The results show that irrigating fluid absorption and the choice of a crystalloid or a colloid solution for intravenous fluid supplementation were the most important factors governing the total fluid balance at the end of TURP as well as 2 hours later. At 24 hours after the operation, the absorption of irrigating fluid during TURP and the presence of cardiac disease promoted retention of fluid. Impaired kidney function and serum cortisol concentration did not, however, correlate with the fluid balance.