Comparison between normal saline and Ringer’s acetate in bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate

Objective: The standard surgical treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The aim of this study was to compare normal saline (NS) (0.9% sodium chloride) and Ringer’s acetate (RA) as irrigation fluid with regard to visibility, resection feasibility, coagulation and bleeding in bipolar TURP. Materials and methods: Twenty patients (mean age 70 years) who were diagnosed with BPH were recruited to the study. The first three 3 liter bags of irrigation fluid contained either NS or RA and were administered in a randomized fashion. The surgeon assessed visibility, bleeding, coagulation, resection efficacy and overall outcome after each 3 liter bag on a scale of 1–10. Results: The results disclosed only marginal differences between the two fluids with regard to the recorded parameters. All of the differences lacked statistical significance (p >.05). Conclusion: RA can be used as an irrigation fluid in bipolar TURP with no obvious difference in comparison with NS.