Clinical Research
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Oct 14, 2006; 12(38): 6161-6166
Published online Oct 14, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i38.6161
The timing of bowel preparation before colonoscopy determines the quality of cleansing, and is a significant factor contributing to the detection of flat lesions: A randomized study
Adolfo Parra-Blanco, David Nicolás-Pérez, Antonio Gimeno-García, Begoña Grosso, Alejandro Jiménez, Juan Ortega, Enrique Quintero
Adolfo Parra-Blanco, David Nicolás-Pérez, Antonio Gimeno-García, Begoña Grosso, Juan Ortega, Enrique Quintero, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna 38109, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Alejandro Jiménez, Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, La Laguna 38109, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Supported by Grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (C03/02), and from the Consejería de Educación, Cultura y Deportes, Gobierno de Canarias, No.PI2002/138
Correspondence to: Adolfo Parra-Blanco, MD, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Unidad de Endoscopia (10ª Planta), Hospital Universitario de Canarias, C/Ofra s/n, 38320 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. parrablanco@hotmail.com
Telephone: +34-922-678554 Fax: +34-922-678554
Received: April 18, 2006
Revised: April 28, 2006
Accepted: May 22, 2006
Published online: October 14, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To compare the cleansing quality of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution and sodium phosphate with different schedules of administration, and to evaluate whether the timing of the administration of bowel preparation affects the detection of polyps.

METHODS: One hundred and seventy-seven consecutive outpatients scheduled for colonoscopy were randomized in one of four groups to receive polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution or oral sodium phosphate with two different timing schedules. Quality of cleansing, polyp detection, and tolerance were evaluated.

RESULTS: Patients receiving polyethylene glycol or sodium phosphate on the same day as the colonoscopy, obtained good to excellent global cleansing scores more frequently than patients who received polyethylene glycol or sodium phosphate on the day prior to the procedure (P < 0.001). Flat lesions, but not flat adenomas, were more frequent in patients prepared on the same day (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION: The quality of colonic cleansing and the detection of flat lesions are significantly improved when the preparation is taken on the day of the colonoscopy.

Keywords: Colonoscopy; Preparation; Polyp; Flat lesion; Sodium phosphate; Polyethylene glycol