Bladder explosion during uninterrupted transurethral resection of the prostate. A case report and an experimental model.

A bladder explosion during transurethral resection with intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder is reported. Immediate operative repair was successful and the final result satisfactory. Gas formed during in vitro and in vivo prostatic resections was analysed by means of an oxygen electrode and gascromatographs. Hydrogen was dominant but oxygen and several explosive hydrocarbons were demonstrated. The gas formed in vitro was highly explosive. Oxygen content in gas formed in vivo was considerably lower. Admixture of atmospheric air during transurethral resection increases the risk of explosion and should be avoided and the air pocket in the bladder be kept at an absolute minimum.