[Preparation for colonoscopy using Golytely--a sure method? Comparative histological and clinical study between...

Looking at clinical side-effects, effectiveness and tolerability, we compared the salinic solution "Golytely" vs. a conventional preparatory procedure (Cascara-Salax) in a prospective study including 28 patients with macroscopic normal mucosa. Mucosal changes in colonic step biopsies were investigated according to prefixed criteria.

There was no significant difference concerning weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature or essential laboratory findings. Whereas preparation using Cascara-Salax was less molesting stated by the patients, there was no difference in the way colonoscopy itself was tolerated in both groups. The performing doctor's evaluation of the colonic cleaning effect and examination conditions showed "Golytely" significantly ahead of Cascara-Salax. Histologically, colonic mucous layers depicted changes in the control groups in 63% vs. 40% in the "Golytely" group. "Golytely" seems to provide a safe and effective method of preparation for colonoscopy.