Sudden occurence of hypotension and bradycardia during greenlight laser transurethral resection of prostate: case report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Greenlight laser transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) is a standard surgical method used to treat patients with prostate gland enlargement, it is safe and effective. CASE PRESENTATION: We report two cases of sudden occurence of hypotension and bradycardia during greenlight laser TURP. Two patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy were scheduled for greenlight laser TURP under spinal anesthesia. Hypotension and bradycardia were suddenly occurred during the operation. The blood gas analysis revealed no hyponatremia (indicating TURP syndrome) or anemia (indicating hemorrhage). Operation was suspended and inotropic agents were administrated intravenous immediately, then blood pressure and heart rate increased to normal level within some minutes. The patients were discharged from hospital without any complications. We considered parasympathetic reflex was occurred during greenlight laser TURP. CONCLUSION: Apart from TURP syndrome, hemorrhage, bladder perforation and high spinal anesthesia, the parasympathetic reflex which is caused by operative process can also induce hypotension and bradycardia during TURP.