Does anaesthetic technique affect the outcome after transurethral resection of the prostate?
OBJECTIVE
To determine if the choice of anaesthetic (spinal or general) has any influence on outcomes after transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).


METHODS
The records of 261 patients undergoing TURP between October 1995 and July 1998 were selected for a matched-cohort study. There were 87 complete datasets for cases performed under general anaesthesia and each was matched to two patients (174) from those undergoing spinal anaesthesia. The cohorts were matched by age, physical status score and date of operation. The primary outcome measures were length of stay in the recovery room and satisfaction with postoperative analgesia.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in major outcomes. There was a higher incidence of some minor adverse events in the group having general anaesthesia. Back pain was more common after spinal anaesthesia.


CONCLUSIONS
Spinal anaesthesia was not associated with an improved outcome after TURP. The choice of anaesthesia should be made by the patient, surgeon and anaesthetist on the basis of the known risks of particular adverse events.
Reeves
M D
MD
Department of Anaesthesia, Alfred Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Myles
P S
PS
D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods; D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000379:methods*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication / Q000379:methods*; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D020728:Transurethral Resection of Prostate / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome