[A comparative study of 2 methods of preparation for colonoscopic procedure]

Although ingestion of polyethylene glycol solution has become the standard preparation for colonoscopy since 1980, there is investigation of new safe, comfortable and cheap methods.

We carried out a prospective study in order to compare the utility and tolerance related to the preparation of the colon for colonoscopy, using a dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate enema (SD) versus our conventional preparation.

Group A was prepared the day previous to the study with liquid diet, oral laxative and application of an SD, prior to the endoscopy received another SD. Group B was prepared three days with liquid diet, the day previous to the colonoscopy they ingested oral laxative and used a water enema (W(e)), and they used another W(e) the day of the procedure. The patients' tolerance in each case was compared using a scale assigned as good, fair and poor. The cleaning obtained in the colon was also evaluated in a scale of good, regular and bad, considering three colon segments.

Forty-four patients had been studied, 19 men and 25 women; each group with 22 patients. In group A: the preparation tolerance was good in 14 cases (63.6%), fair in seven (31.8%) and poor in one (4.5%); also, the obtained cleaning up to the cecum was good in nine cases (40.9%) and fair in 13 (59%). In group B: the tolerance was good in five cases (22.7%) fair in 12 (54.5%) and poor in five (22.7%); the obtained cleaning in this group up to the cecum was good in two cases (9%), fair in 19 (86.3%) and poor in one (4.5%).

The SD preparation was better tolerated and more effective in order to achieve the cleaning of the colon than the conventional one.