[Bowel preparation before colonoscopy: personal experience and brief literature review]

Colonoscopy is the most commonly used technique for inspection of the colonic mucosa. The safety and effectiveness of colonoscopy in identifying important colonic pathology is directly impacted by the operator experience and by the quality of the bowel preparation performed in anticipation of the procedure.

From December 2000 to June 2006, we performed 8328 total colonoscopy (M:F ratio =1:1.8, mean age 54.7 years, range 16-93). All the patients were submitted to routinary bowel preparation with polyethylenglycol (PEG) the evening before the exam, with fibres diet restriction 5 days before the exam.

On 8328 colonoscopy, 1243 were not actable for worst/absent intestinal toilette. 423 colonoscopy were completed after visceral washing with saline solution during the exam. On 1243 colonoscopy repeated, 852 were in subjects affected by diabetes (p < 0.05); in these patients we prescribed 5 litres solution of PEG one day before the endoscopy, diet without fibers 7 days before the exam and the use of 250 ml solution of PEG (bid): with these method, all the patients were submitted successfully to colonoscopy and retrograde ileoscopy.

Physicians favor preparations associated with the best patient compliance to achieve the best results. Patients favour preparations that are low in volume, palatable, have easy to complete regimens, and are reimbursed by health insurance or are inexpensive. Both patients and physicians favor preparations that are safe to administer in light of existing comorbid conditions and those that will not interact with previously prescribed medications.

Today doesn't exist the "gold standard" for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Basing on our experience, the 4 litres PEG solution mentioned above is well tolerated and effective. In patients with severe comorbidity (diabetes, renal failure, high blood pressure) only little modifications are required to optimize the colon cleansing.