Safety and efficacy of a 1,5% glycine solution as an irrigation medium in prostatic surgery

The safety and efficacy of irrigation with a 1,5% glycine solution during transurethral resection of the prostate gland for benign hyperplasia were studied in 21 patients. Absorption of the irrigation solution during the procedure resulted in raised plasma glycine levels immediately after the operation, but these had virtually returned to normal within 24 hours. No adverse effects were noted and all the patients recovered uneventfully. This study demonstrates that glycine is well tolerated as an irrigation medium and appears to be free of complications.