What irrigation fluid is commonly used during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?

During transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the commonly used irrigation fluids are isotonic solutions with low electrolyte content, specifically 3% Sorbitol or 1.5% Glycine. These fluids are chosen for several reasons.

Sorbitol and Glycine provide a hypotonic environment which helps to prevent the physiological complications that can occur with saline irrigation. They effectively limit the risk of intravascular hemolysis and provide adequate irrigation for diluting tissue debris and blood. This is particularly important during TURP because excessive bleeding can occur, and clear visualization of the surgical field is necessary for the safety and success of the procedure.

Furthermore, these fluids are not absorbed into the bloodstream to a significant degree, which helps to avoid fluid overload and other complications associated with excess fluid retention during surgery.

Normal saline and Lactated Ringer's solution, while useful in other contexts, are not ideal for this specific procedure due to their electrolyte content which can lead to complications like fluid overload and dilutional hyponatremia. Dextrose solutions are not typically used in TURP as they do not provide the necessary irrigation properties and can contribute to electrolyte imbalances.

Thus, 3% Sorbitol or