[Leakage of irrigating solution during transurethral prostatectomy. An impedance cardiography study (author's transl)].

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the incorporation of irrigating solution during transurethral prostatectomy on the pulmonary and cardiovascular system. In 16 patients the changes of thoracic ground impedance were compared with those of the central venous pressure. Myocardial function was evaluated semiquantitatively by use of the systolic time intervals and pulmonary gas exchange by arterial blood gas analysis. There was a significant correlation between the increase of central venous pressure and the decrease of thoracic ground impedance. There was also a significant increase of the relation of pre-ejection period (PEP) to left ventricular ejection time (LVET) meaning an impairment of myocardial function, an increase of cardiac output, and a severe decrease of arterial oxygen pressure. The influence of the incorporation of irrigating solution on the pulmonary and cardiovascular system is discussed, the noninvasive character and simplicity of handling the impedance cardiography is pointed out, and the possibilities of monitoring critically ill patients undergoing transurethral prostatectomy by this method is demonstrated.