Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5
05:45

Diagnosis of Hirschsprung's Disease by Immunostaining Rectal Suction Biopsies for Calretinin, S100 Protein and Protein Gene Product 9.5

Published on: April 26, 2019

An assessment of bisacodyl-based bowel preparation for colonoscopy in children

Ron Shaoul1, Lina Haloon

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47 Golomb St., POB 4940, Haifa, 31048, Israel.

Journal of Gastroenterology
|February 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A new bowel preparation method using bisacodyl, fleet enema, and clear fluids showed excellent compliance and effective bowel cleansing in children. This safe approach is suitable for pediatric colonoscopies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Colorectal Surgery

Background:

  • Standard bowel preparation methods like polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS) and sodium phosphate present challenges in pediatric patients.
  • Bisacodyl with fleet enema is a potential alternative, but efficacy is improved with dietary restriction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bisacodyl combined with fleet enema and a clear fluid diet for pediatric bowel preparation.
  • To compare this novel regimen against traditional PEG-ELS preparation.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study of 98 children (30 months to 12 years) using bisacodyl tablets, a clear fluid diet, and fleet enemas.
  • Comparison with 26 historical controls prepared with PEG-ELS.

Main Results:

  • The bisacodyl regimen achieved 100% compliance, superior to the 88% compliance with PEG-ELS.
  • Good to excellent bowel preparation was achieved in 95% of the bisacodyl group versus 88% in the PEG-ELS group.

Conclusions:

  • The bisacodyl, fleet enema, and clear fluid diet regimen is a safe and effective bowel preparation method for children under 12.
  • This approach offers improved compliance and bowel cleansing compared to PEG-ELS.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy01:25

Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

The colon, or large intestine, is the final segment of the digestive system. Its primary functions include absorbing water and vitamins produced by gut bacteria and transforming waste from liquid to solid to form stool. In adults, the large intestine is approximately 5 feet long and consists of four main sections:
Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy01:26

Imaging Studies III: Gastrointestinal Motility Studies and Virtual Colonoscopy

This lesson explores three gastrointestinal imaging techniques: radionuclide testing, colonic transit studies, and virtual colonoscopy.
Radionuclide Testing
Radionuclide testing is a sophisticated medical technique for assessing gastrointestinal motility. It focuses on gastric emptying and colonic transit time. Radioactive markers track the movement of food through the digestive system, providing insights into gastrointestinal disorders.
In gastric emptying studies, a meal's liquid and solid...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema01:23

Lower GI Series: Barium Enema

A Barium Enema, or a lower GI series, is a specialized radiographic examination designed to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon and rectum. This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various conditions such as colorectal cancer, polyps, diverticulosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS01:21

Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS

Pharmacological therapies for IBS-C are designed to alleviate abdominal discomfort and enhance bowel function. In patients with IBS-C, fiber supplements may help soften stools and decrease straining, but may also lead to increased gas production and bloating. Osmotic laxatives like milk of magnesia are frequently used to soften stools and increase stool frequency in IBS-C patients. In addition, two drugs approved for use in severe IBS-C adult cases are linaclotide (Linzess) and lubiprostone...