Experience with isotonic 2.2% glycine as distension medium for hysteroscopic endomyometrial resection

The feasibility of performing hysteroscopic endomyometrial resection using isotonic 2.2% glycine as distension medium was studied in 181 consecutive operations. A standard continuous flow loop-resectoscope was used. Distension was achieved by means of a gravity-fed system and glycine flowed out under its own pressure. The mean (+/-SEM) glycine deficit was 160+/-20 ml and in only 7 patients was it >1 liter (maximum 1,800 ml). Only in patients with >1 liter glycine absorption was there a significant decrease in serum sodium level (mean 9 mmol/l), while serum osmolality remained normal. Apart from 1 case of transient nausea, these patients had no sequelae. We experienced isotonic 2.2% glycine as a useful and safe distending medium for operative hysteroscopy.