Outcome of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) using 5% dextrose water as irrigant

Background: TURP remains the gold standard for simple prostatectomy presently. Different fluids have been used for irrigation while performing monopolar TURP. The choice of irrigation fluid depends on a lot of factors.

Aim: We sought to find out if the outcome of monopolar TURP using 5% dextrose water in our setting compares with findings in other studies using different fluids as irrigation fluid in monopolar TURP.

Materials and methods: This was a prospective study of 220 patients who had monopolar TURP using 5% dextrose water as irrigation fluid from 2015 to 2020.

Results: The study was completed by 220 patients. The mean age was 66.25 yrs. The mean weight of prostate was 53.2 g, and mean resected weight was 30.10 g using a mean irrigation volume of 45.35 liters, 5% dextrose water over a mean resection time of 66.08 mins. The mean changes in International Prostate Symptom Score/quality of life score (IPSS/QOLS) were statistically significant. Early complications recorded were postoperative hematuria with clot retention (1.4%), urinary tract infection (UTI) (13.2%), and secondary hemorrhage (10%). TURP syndrome was not recorded. Late complications seen within 2 years follow-up were transient urinary incontinence (6.4%), urethral stricture (4.1%), and bladder neck contracture (2.3%). There was no repeat TURP for residual adenoma within this period.

Conclusion: TURP using 5% dextrose water has comparable outcomes to other irrigation fluids for monopolar TURP. It is a good alternative to any other irrigation fluid.