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Optimal bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy--are two enemas better than one?
K L Preston1, F E Peluso, F Goldner
1Department of Medicine, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
|July 1, 1994
Summary
For fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy, one hypertonic phosphate enema given 1 hour prior provides adequate bowel preparation. This simple regimen is effective, convenient, and cost-efficient for patients undergoing the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endoscopy
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Optimal bowel preparation for fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy is not well-established.
- Current recommendations for hypertonic phosphate enemas are largely anecdotal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate three hypertonic phosphate enema regimens for bowel preparation.
- To determine the most efficacious and convenient regimen for fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 60-cm fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy patients.
- Random assignment to three hypertonic phosphate enema regimens (timing and quantity).
- Assessment of bowel preparation adequacy (excellent, adequate, poor).
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in bowel preparation adequacy among the three regimens.
- All regimens achieved adequate or excellent preparation in approximately 80% of patients.
- Single enema 1 hour before procedure demonstrated comparable efficacy.
Conclusions:
- A single hypertonic phosphate enema administered 1 hour before fiberoptic flexible sigmoidoscopy is recommended.
- This regimen is effective, patient-convenient, and cost-effective.
- Simplifies bowel preparation protocols for routine sigmoidoscopy.
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