Related Experiment Videos
Prospective, randomized, single-blind comparison of two preparations for screening flexible sigmoidoscopy
E J Bini1, J S Unger, J M Rieber
1Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York, New York 10010, USA.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|August 2, 2000
Summary
Oral sodium phosphate bowel preparation is better tolerated, more cost-effective, and yields higher quality exams than enemas for flexible sigmoidoscopy. This oral regimen improves patient experience and reduces healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
Background:
- Optimal bowel cleansing for flexible sigmoidoscopy remains undetermined.
- Cost-effectiveness and patient tolerance are key considerations for bowel preparation regimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient tolerance, preparation quality, and cost of two distinct bowel cleansing regimens.
- Evaluate oral sodium phosphate with bisacodyl versus enema preparations for flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 250 patients undergoing screening flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- Comparison of oral sodium phosphate/bisacodyl versus enema/bisacodyl preparations.
- Blinded endoscopist assessment of preparation quality and patient-reported tolerance.
Main Results:
- Oral preparation was significantly better tolerated (96.8% easy/tolerable vs. 56.4% for enema, p < 0.001).
- Endoscopist-rated preparation quality was superior with oral regimen (86.5% good/excellent vs. 57.3% for enema, p < 0.001).
- Oral preparation significantly reduced nursing time and cost compared to enemas ($16.39 vs. $31.13, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Oral sodium phosphate preparation offers superior quality for flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- This regimen is better tolerated by patients and more cost-effective than enemas.
- Oral bowel preparation enhances the efficiency and patient experience of flexible sigmoidoscopy procedures.