DOES CATHETER TRACTION REDUCE POST-TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE BLOOD-LOSS

Objective To determine if traction on a catheter after transurethral r esection of the prostate (TURP) reduces post-operative bleeding. Patie nts and methods This prospective trial included 115 consecutive patien ts undergoing TURP. After resection patients were randomly selected to have either traction (57) or no traction (58) on the catheter for 30 min. Blood loss was measured during and for 2 h after the operation. A simple method for applying constant traction is described. Results, C atheter traction reduced post-operative bleeding while applied, but ha d no further effect after the removal of traction. Conclusion Catheter traction is a useful technique to aid the control of post-TURF bleedi ng.