Improving the view in the rectal clinic: a randomised control trial.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Procedures
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Rigid sigmoidoscopy is crucial for assessing colorectal symptoms.
• Faecal loading frequently impairs the effectiveness of this examination.
• A glycerine suppository may improve rectal preparation for sigmoidoscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a self-administered glycerine suppository in clearing the rectum for rigid sigmoidoscopy.
• To assess patient acceptability of using suppositories for rectal preparation.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial comparing suppository use versus no suppository.
• Patients were assessed for compliance, examination effectiveness, and sigmoidoscope insertion depth.
• Data collected included visualization of rectal mucosa and insertion depth.

Main Results:

• Significantly better rectal views (>75% mucosa seen) in the suppository group (79% vs. 26.2%).
• Fewer poor examinations (<50% mucosa seen) with suppositories (4% vs. 44.6%).
• Greater sigmoidoscope insertion depth in the suppository group (54.5% vs. 21.5% to ≥18 cm).
• High patient compliance and acceptability (95.5% reported no difficulties).

Conclusions:

• Self-administered glycerine suppositories are acceptable and improve outpatient rigid sigmoidoscopy efficiency.
• Routine use of suppositories for rectal preparation is recommended.
• This intervention enhances diagnostic yield in colorectal symptom assessment.