Intravesical explosion during transurethral electrosurgery

Abstract

Intravesical explosion is a very rare complication of transurethral resection of prostate and transurethral resection of bladder tumour operations. In vitro studies have shown that the gases produced during the procedure could result in a blast once they are mixed with air from the atmosphere. A 79-year-old male experienced an explosion in his bladder while undergoing a transurethral resection of bladder tumour. The case is presented as well as the way that it was treated as an emergency. Precautions of such events are finally suggested.

Keywords: Diathermy; electrosurgery; explosions; transurethral resection of prostate; urinary bladder neoplasms.