Absorption of irrigating fluid and height of fluid bag during transurethral resection of the prostate.

Summary— The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the static pressure and the absorption of irrigating fluid during transurethral resection of the prostate. We measured the absorption by the ethanol method in 550 operations during which the fluid bags were placed randomly at distances of 60–65, 70–75,80-85 or 90–100 cm above the operating table. There was no difference in the volume of irrigant absorbed at different bag heights or any association between fluid height and absorption when different ranges of fluid absorption were analysed. This suggests that irrigant absorption cannot be prevented by placing the fluid bags at a certain height within the range of 60 to 100 cm above the operating table.