Do we overtreat patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate?

Abstract

Two hundred unselected patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate have been surveyed. The routine use of endotracheal intubation, muscle relaxants, intermittent positive pressure respiration, intravenous fluids and postoperative sedation was avoided whereever possible. The results of this survey are presented and indicate that such measures can be omitted from the management of patients undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate with no significant increase in morbidity or mortality and, indeed, morbidity and mortality may be decreased by their exclusion.