Bowel cleansing methods prior to CT colonography

To compare the cleansing effect, ease of preparation and side-effects of two cleansing regimens containing either polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) or phospho-soda (Na-P) solution prior to CT colonography in a prospective, randomized, radiologist-blinded design.

Fifty persons were randomized to receive either a PEG preparation or a Na-P preparation prior to CT colonography. On axial 2D images, the rectum, the sigmoid, the descending, the transverse and the cecum/ascending colon were scored semiquantitatively as to cleanness by two radiologists blinded to the bowel preparation regimen. Quality scores in the two groups were compared. Ease of preparation and side-effects were assessed by a questionnaire.

The overall quality of the bowel preparation with the Na-P preparation was better than with the PEG preparation with significantly better cleansing scores for the rectum, the sigmoid, the descending and the transverse colon. The Na-P preparation was significantly better tolerated than the PEG preparation with significantly less nausea and significantly less fecal incontinence.

The quality of the bowel preparation was better with the Na-P preparation than with the PEG preparation prior to CT colonography. Moreover, the Na-P preparation was better tolerated and with fewer side-effects.