[Improving the effect of orthograde colonic lavage with golytely solution by adding dimethicone]

The effectiveness of an additional application of Simethicone during an orthograde lavage with Golytely solution in preparation for colonoscopy was tested in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled double blind study on 152 patients 78 Simethicone, 74 placebo). The colon regions were separated into rectosigmoid, descending colon, transverse colon and ascending colon and interpreted according to the criteria formation of foam and contamination with feces. By the endoscopic examination of the colon we found a statistically significant improvement in visibility in the patients treated with Simethicone in contrast to placebo both in the individual scores, separated according to each of the colon regions, and in the total scores (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the time needed for the colonoscopy could be significantly shortened in the Simethicone group (p < 0.05). Adverse effects were not observed. We conclude that the additional application of Simethicone during the orthograde colon lavage with Golytely solution results in an improvement in the preparation for the colonoscopy as well as visibility of the colon mucosa.