[Transurethral resection with saline solution: a technological achievement not yet assimilated by the urological community]

Abstract

Objectives: To objectively demonstrate the advantages provided by TURP with saline solution (an adjustment made possible thanks to the technological development of new high frequency current generators), although it surprisingly has been received with scepticism in the urological community.

Methods: A first group of 51 patients (group A) underwent low hydraulic pressure TURP with a pulsed bipolar system (Gyrus Plasmakinetic, with large loop) using physiologic saline solution as irrigation. A second group of 49 patients underwent low hydraulic pressure TURP with a conventional monopolar system (Erbe 350) using glycine-ethanol solution.

Results: A better surgical performance was obtained in the first group, as well as a lower degree of bleeding. No intraoperative complications appear in either group. Only one case of late hematuria was registered one month after surgery in a patient of group A.

Conclusions: Pulsed bipolar TURP has a minimal thermal in-depth diffusion, achieves vessel hemostasis by dessication instead of charring, has an extremely precise cutting quality, does not produce neuromuscular stimulation, and makes the use of saline solution irrigation possible. All these translate to lower tissue injury, null risk of sequelae secondary to electric current leak, a finer technique, a lower risk of accidental perforation, and the possibility of duplicate or triplicate the surgical time without risk, especially when working with low hydraulic pressure.