The effect of prostatic regional block on post-operative urethral catheter discomfort in TURP surgery: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a routine surgery for of benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment but this surgery is accompanied by unpleasant sensation due to the presence of a urinary catheter. In this study, the role of Bupivacaine for localized blockade of the prostate in patients undergoing prostate resection under general anesthesia was investigated. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 42 patients scheduled for TURP in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups: in the one group, bupivacaine (0.5 mg/kg) was injected by perineal method in the periprostatic space of both sides and two the second group was the control group. In this study, the pain in the recovery room, the duration till Aldrete score reached nine and the level of non-satisfaction caused by urethral catheter in patients were evaluated. Results: Both study groups were similar in their basal characteristics. The amount of discomfort caused by urinary catheter after surgery was evaluated in both groups every half hour and a significant difference was observed between two groups. The mean time of staying in the recovery room in the two control group was significantly longer than one treatment group (p ≤ 0.165) and these patients reached the Aldrete  score, 9, in a longer period. The mean time of the patients’ presence in the recovery room was 118.81±56.45 minutes in the control group and was 97.14±27.90 minutes in the treatment group. There was no statistically significant difference in morphine consumption between these two groups and no specific side effect was observed in either groups. Conclusion: Bupivacaine injection, for localized blockade of the prostate, in patients undergoing prostate resection surgery can reduce the discomfort caused by urinary catheter, the length of staying in the recovery room and the amount of discomfort in recovery.