Early detection of absorption of irrigating fluid during transurethral resection of the prostate with alcohol gas detector tube

Nineteen patients (mean age, 70 years; range, 58-80 years) undergoing elective transurethral resection of benign hypertrophy of the prostate (mean weight of resectate, 25 g; range 10-59 g; mean resection time, 61 min; range 45-80 min) under spinal anesthesia were studied for early detection of absorption of irrigating solution by means of expired breath alcohol analysis. The irrigating fluid used in all resections was tenfold diluted Urigal solution containing 1% ethanol. Expired breath was collected into a rubber bag every 10 min during the surgery, and the concentration of ethanol was analyzed using a gas detector tube (GASTEC LTD.). Hemodynamic parameters including central venous pressure were routinely measured at the same intervals. The volumetric fluid balance was measured every 20 min. Blood was collected preoperatively, at the same 20-min intervals during the resection, and 4-6 hours after the end of the operation. Serum electrolytes, hemoglobin and total plasma protein concentration were measured, and blood gas tension was analyzed. Mean arterial pressure, central venous pressure, blood gas tension showed no significant changes at these observed time intervals. Heart rate decreased 120 min after the start of the operation. Ethanol was detected in the expired breath 10 min after the start of the surgery, and showed progressive increase in concentration until the end of the surgery. Serum electrolyte concentrations and hemoglobin content showed gradual decrease proportional to the increase in irrigating fluid volume. The ethanol concentration in the expired breath was significantly correlated with the change in serum sodium concentration.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)