Closed video transurethral resection of the prostate for the prevention of infection.

An instrument with which safe and clean video transurethral resection of the prostate (video TURP) can be performed has been developed by the author; its use could minimize the risk to the operating staff of being infected by such dangerous viruses as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The instrument consists of a bag made of transparent synthetic resin (polyvinyl chloride), used to cover the patient's penis and a resectoscope with a super miniature video camera unit. Irrigation fluid from the patient's bladder flow into the bag and is drained into the drainage hose through the conduit in the bottom of the bag. When this is used, contamination of clothes of the surgical staff and the surroundings with blood-contaminated irrigation fluid is avoided.