Video-resection does not stop corneal contamination during transurethral resection of the prostate.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of video-resection systems in reducing the risk of corneal contamination during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and thus in decreasing the possibility of transmission of blood-borne diseases from the patient.


METHODS
After performing a TURP using a video camera system in 30 patients, the number of potential corneal droplets was measured for one operator wearing a pair of spectacles and, for a second operator, over an identically sized area of a standard disposable plastic eyeshield.


RESULTS
In 20 (67%) of cases, droplets were observed on the eye protection, correlating with potential corneal contamination. Splashes were also seen on the face-mask of the eyeshield.


CONCLUSIONS
Urologists should use eye and face protection when performing TURP using a video system.
Muir
G H
GH
Department of Urology, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, UK.
Davies
J H
JH
D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D003315:Cornea; D005135:Eye Protective Devices; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014741:Video Recording