International Digest
Solutions for large-bowel lavage
Canadian Medical Association Journal 1996; 155: 733
Source: Hamilton D, Mulcahy D, Walsh D, Farrelly C, Tormey WP, Watson G. Sodium picosulphate compared with polyethylene glycol solution for large bowel lavage: a prospective randomized trial. Br J Clin Pract 1996; 50: 73-5.
To assess the mechanical efficiency, patient acceptability and biochemical effects of solutions for large-bowel evacuation, researchers in Ireland randomly assigned 59 patients to receive orally either polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (PEG, 4 L total volume) or sodium picosulphate solution (400 mL total volume) in preparation for colonoscopy, barium enema or both. Overall, colonoscopists and radiologists showed no preference between the two solutions with respect to the adequacy of bowel preparation. However, patients who received sodium picosulphate experienced significantly less nausea and vomiting and had less difficulty swallowing the required volume of solution than those who received PEG. The magnitude of biochemical changes associated with the use of these preparations was not considered sufficient to warrant concern.
| CMAJ September 15, 1996 (vol 155, no 6) |