[Prevention of severe hypotension caused by epidural anaesthesia for transurethral resection of the prostate (author's transl)].

Severe art. hypotensions are one of the most frequent complications of epidural anaesthesia. In 62 geriatric patients undergoing transurethral prostatic resection two methods of prophylaxis for hypotension were investigated: 1. 500ml HES before epidural anaesthesia and supine position until operation. 2. Lithotomy position immediately after EDA without plasma substitute. Blood pressure, heart rate and necessity for the application of vasoactive substances show that the lithotomy position immediately after EDA is the statistically better method. The problem of plasma substitutes in transurethral prostatic resection will be discussed.