Whole bowel irrigation: experience in pediatric patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Surgical Preparation
• Medical Procedures

Background:

• Whole bowel irrigation (WBI) is a method for cleansing the colon.
• Pediatric patients require effective bowel preparation for procedures like surgery and colonoscopy.
• Assessing the safety and efficacy of WBI in children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of whole bowel irrigation (WBI) in pediatric patients undergoing surgery or colonoscopy.
• To determine optimal WBI administration rates based on age and tolerance.
• To assess the impact of WBI on postoperative infectious complications.

Main Methods:

• Whole bowel irrigation (WBI) was administered to 50 children (16 months to 14 years) using a hydroelectrolytic solution.
• Patients were grouped by age (12-36 months, 3-6 years, 6-14 years).
• Antibiotics (neomycin and erythromycin) were given for colorectal surgery preparation. Vital signs and blood parameters were monitored.

Main Results:

• WBI was well-tolerated across all age groups, with specific administration rates determined for each group.
• Colonic preparation was satisfactory in 49 out of 50 pediatric patients.
• Postoperative infectious complications were significantly reduced to 3.3%.

Conclusions:

• Whole bowel irrigation (WBI) is a fast, simple, and well-tolerated method for pediatric colon cleansing.
• WBI ensures excellent colonic condition for surgery and colonoscopy in children.
• This method considerably decreases the incidence of postoperative complications in pediatric patients.