The optimum bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy

With the proposed introduction of a flexible sigmoidoscopic screening programme for colorectal cancer, patient compliance is of paramount importance. Therefore, the bowel preparation providing optimum cleansing of the bowel with the least associated discomfort and inconvenience for the patient must...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of surgical oncology 1997-08, Vol.23 (4), p.315-316
Main Authors: Drew, P.J., Hughes, M., Hodson, R., Farouk, R., Lee, P.W.R., Wedgwood, K.R., Monson, J.R.T., Duthie, G.S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Oral
Adult
Aged
Biological and medical sciences
bowel preparation
Cathartics - administration & dosage
Cathartics - adverse effects
Citrates
Colorectal Neoplasms - diagnosis
Digestive system. Abdomen
Endoscopy
Enema
flexible sigmoidoscopy
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Organometallic Compounds
Phosphates - administration & dosage
Phosphates - adverse effects
Picolines - administration & dosage
Picolines - adverse effects
Self Administration
Sigmoidoscopy - methods
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:With the proposed introduction of a flexible sigmoidoscopic screening programme for colorectal cancer, patient compliance is of paramount importance. Therefore, the bowel preparation providing optimum cleansing of the bowel with the least associated discomfort and inconvenience for the patient must be found. Patients were randomized to receive either Picolax the evening before the examination or self-administered Fleet enemas prior to the investigation. The endoscopist and nurse practitioner who collected data on a standard questionnaire were blinded to the preparation used. Bowel preparation was graded by the endoscopist as: excellent, good, adequate or poor. One hundred and two consecutive patients were randomized: 56 to the Fleet enema group and 46 to the Picolax group. Self-administered Fleet enemas provided a significantly superior bowel preparation with 52 (93%) being judged adequate or better, as opposed to 34 (74%) in the Picolax group. In addition, Fleet enemas were associated with significantly fewer adverse associated symptoms: 11 (20%) vs 24 (52%). Patients reported to be willing to receive Fleet enemas again in 53 (95%) vs 37 (80%) for the Picolax group. The self-administered Fleet enema is superior to Picolax in terms of bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy and the incidence of associated adverse symptoms.
ISSN:0748-7983
1532-2157
DOI:10.1016/S0748-7983(97)90723-X