Colon cleansing: acceptance by older patients

The influence of age on patient acceptance and adequacy of preparation was evaluated in 557 patients from our previous colon cleansing studies for colonoscopy, barium enema, and elective colon surgery. Since study design was similar for all studies, the patients were combined and stratified to those over age 60 (old) and those 60 or younger (young). Patients were previously randomized in their respective studies to polyethylene glycol electrolyte gut lavage solution (old, 105; young, 181) or standard prep (old, 71; young, 20). Patient response data were analyzed in two fashions; distribution of response scores and minimal responses. When the distribution of scores were compared, older gut lavage patients had fewer cramps but more overall discomfort than younger patients receiving the lavage preparation. Older standard prep patients had less overall discomfort than younger standard prep subjects. Comparison of responses rated as minimal showed the older lavage patients to have fewer cramps than younger lavage patients and fewer cramps than standard preparation patients of similar age. None of the other assessed symptoms was significantly different between age groups or prep method. Most patients had minimal symptoms regardless of age or prep. Age did not influence adequacy of preparation for gut lavage or standard prep methods.