GLYCINE 1.0-PERCENT VERSUS GLYCINE 1.5-PERCENT AS IRRIGATING FLUID DURING TRANSURETHRAL RESECTION OF THE PROSTATE

Objective To evaluate the potential benefits of reducing the glycine c oncentration from 1.5% to 1.0% in the irrigating fluid used during tra nsurethral resection of the prostate (TURF) when 1% ethanol is used as the tracer of absorption. Patients and methods The effect of 1% ethan ol on the tendency for blood to haemolyse was tested in vitro and the optical condition of the irrigating fluids were studied during 10 TURP s. The breath ethanol level was monitored during 423 operations where these fluids were used in a randomized double-blind study. The inciden ce of 13 symptoms was recorded in the 77 patients who absorbed irrigat ing fluid. Results Ethanol slightly lowered the tendency for blood to haemolyse. Reducing the glycine concentration did not alter the optica l conditions during TURF. The incidence of symptoms increased signific antly as more glycine solution was absorbed, arterial hypotension and nausea being the most usual. Bradycardia, prickling skin sensations an d feelings of uneasiness were less common when 1.0% glycine was used, but the choice of irrigating fluid had no effect on the total incidenc e of symptoms. Conclusion We found no clear advantage in lowering the glycine concentration of the irrigating fluid used during TURF.