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Preoperative bowel preparation in children: polyethylene glycol versus normal saline

Ashok Kumar1, Akhlak Hussain

  • 1Department of Surgery, Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, Punjab, India.

African Journal of Paediatric Surgery : AJPS
|November 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a better option than normal saline for pediatric bowel preparation before colorectal surgery. PEG offers improved patient comfort and fewer complications with comparable costs and preparation quality.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Colorectal surgeries necessitate bowel preparation, typically using normal saline in children.
  • Normal saline bowel preparation is cumbersome and causes significant patient discomfort.
  • This study investigates an alternative to standard pediatric bowel preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) versus normal saline for preoperative bowel preparation in pediatric patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
  • To assess patient and staff acceptance, complication rates, and cost-effectiveness of PEG compared to normal saline.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized study involving 30 pediatric patients scheduled for colonic or colorectal surgery.
  • Patients were randomly assigned to receive either polyethylene glycol (PEG) or normal saline (NS) for bowel preparation.
  • Group I received PEG, and Group II received NS.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in the quality of bowel preparation between PEG and normal saline groups (P > 0.05).
  • PEG was associated with significantly fewer complications (P < 0.05) and was rated as easier, more comfortable, and acceptable by patients, relatives, and staff.
  • Overall costs were comparable between the two preparation methods.

Conclusions:

  • Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a safe and effective alternative for large bowel preparation in children.
  • PEG offers superior patient comfort and reduced complication rates compared to normal saline.
  • PEG represents a cost-effective and acceptable option for pediatric preoperative bowel preparation.
Abstract

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