ABSTRACT
The commonest form of surgical intervention is transurethral resection of the prostate. Other surgical treatments include the following: transurethral incision of the prostate, for bladder outflow obstruction in smaller prostates, transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), and transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA). The syndrome is heralded by mental confusion, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances and cardiovascular changes with early hypertension, raised central venous pressure and bradycardia. These symptoms generally occur when the serum sodium concentration falls below 125 mmol/litre. The syndrome can progress to convulsions, pulmonary oedema and coma. The mortality rate in severe cases can be up to 50%. Mild to moderate cases can be treated with oral diuretics such as frusemide. In more severe cases, slow intravenous hypertonic saline can be used in conjunction with intravenous diuretics. The patient's electrolytes should also be monitored closely until they have normalised.
