Comparison of Hemodynamic Effect Between the Spinal Anesthesia and Saddle Block Using Levobupivacaine During Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Cardiac Elderly Patients

Overview

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical intervention for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. TURP is mostly applied to elderly patients with hypertension and problems with breathing, circulation system, and kidney functions; therefore, it becomes very important to keep a stable anesthesia that will minimize the hemodynamic differences in these patients. General anesthesia causes more hemodynamic differences than regional anesthesia. Thus, regional anesthesia is highly preferable in TURP applications.

TURP is performed by inserting a resectoscope through the urethra and resecting prostatic tissue with an electrically powered cutting-coagulating metal loop or using laser-22 vaporization energy. This can be accomplished with either a monopolar TURP (M-TURP) or bipolar TURP (B-TURP) technique. Laser energy for TURP has also been used for many years. With each technique, as much prostatic tissue as possible is resected, but the prostatic capsule is usually preserved. If the capsule is violated, large amounts of irrigation solution can be absorbed into the circulation via the periprostatic, retroperitoneal, or peritoneal space. Bleeding during TURP is not uncommon but usually controllable; hemostasis becomes difficult when large venous sinuses are opened. If the bleeding becomes uncontrollable, the procedure should be terminated as quickly as possible, and a Foley catheter should be passed into the bladder and traction applied to it. The catheter's inflated balloon exerts lateral pressure on the prostatic bed and reduces bleeding. Bleeding requiring transfusion occurs in approximately 2.5% of TURP procedures.