In this article, the authors analyze a syndrome first described by Creevy in the 1940s, which may occur during a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The syndrome is characterized by cardiocirculatory and neurological problems due to rapid changes in intravascular volume and plasma solute concentrations caused by excess irrigating fluid absorption. This article reviews the available literature and reports on the experience of our clinic, a specialist department in the physiopathology, diagnosis, therapy and prevention of TURP syndrome.