Sterisol

Indications

Glycine is an amino acid. In medicine, a 1.5% Glycine solution is used as a sterile irrigating fluid during urological operations, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or bladder tumours, and some gynaecological procedures through a scope. It flushes away blood and tissue so the surgeon can see clearly while using electrical surgical instruments. It is for irrigation only and must not be injected.

How It Works

The solution does not conduct electricity, so it allows safe use of electrical cutting and coagulating instruments inside the bladder. It is clear, so it gives a good view, and its strength is chosen to reduce damage to blood cells if small amounts are absorbed. Glycine itself is a natural building block of proteins that the body can break down.

Dosage and Administration

It is used only by surgeons and operating theatre staff during a procedure. The amount depends on the length and type of operation. Staff monitor the volume of fluid used and recovered, and check the patient's sodium level and condition during long procedures.

Interactions

• Significant interactions with medicines are not expected with normal use.
• Absorbed fluid may change sodium levels, which can affect patients taking diuretics or other medicines that change salt balance; the surgical team takes this into account.

Contraindications

• Not for injection or for drinking.
• Caution or avoidance in severe kidney failure, severe liver disease and some inherited disorders of amino acid metabolism, as decided by the medical team.

Side Effects

If large amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream during surgery, a condition called TURP syndrome can occur, with low blood sodium, high blood pressure then low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, nausea, confusion, restlessness and temporary visual disturbance or blindness.

Tell the nurse or doctor at once, or get urgent medical help, if after the procedure you have confusion, severe headache, vomiting, blurred or lost vision, shortness of breath, chest pain or fits.

Pregnancy and Lactation

It is used in pregnancy only for procedures the doctor considers necessary. Breastfeeding is not expected to be affected by irrigation use.

Precautions and Warnings

• Use only clear solution from an undamaged container; discard unused solution.
• Warm the fluid to body temperature as directed to prevent cooling of the patient.
• Extra care is taken in heart, kidney or liver disease.

Overdose

Excessive absorption leads to fluid overload and low sodium. The procedure is stopped and the patient is treated in hospital with careful fluid and salt correction.

Therapeutic Class

Urological irrigation solution (amino acid).

Storage

Hospital product: store as directed on the pack, below 30°C, away from light. Do not freeze.