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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 7, 2008; 14(13): 2061-2064
Published online Apr 7, 2008. doi: 10.3748/wjg.14.2061
Prospective evaluation of small bowel preparation with bisacodyl and sodium phosphate for capsule endoscopy
Andreas Franke, Frank Hummel, Phillip Knebel, Christoph Antoni, Ulrich Böcker, Manfred V Singer, Matthias Löhr
Andreas Franke, Frank Hummel, Phillip Knebel, Christoph Antoni, Ulrich Böcker, Manfred V Singer, Matthias Löhr, Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), University Hospital of Heidelberg at Mannheim, Mannheim D-68167, Germany
Frank Hummel, Department of Medicine, Rotes Kreuz Krankenhaus Kassel, Kassel D-34121, Germany
Author contributions: Franke A, Hummel F, Knebel P and Löhr M designed research and analyzed data; Löhr M, Antoni C, Singer MV and Böcker U evaluated the quality of preparation; Franke A and Löhr M wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Andreas Franke, MD, Department of Medicine II (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), University Hospital of Heidelberg at Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, Mannheim D-68167, Germany. a.franke@gmx.net
Telephone: +49-621-3833359
Fax: +49-621-3833805
Received: January 3, 2008
Revised: February 25, 2008
Published online: April 7, 2008
Abstract

AIM: To determine the effect of Prepacol®, a combination of sodium phosphate and bisacodyl, on transit and quality of capsule endoscopy (CE).

METHODS: Fivety two consecutive patients were included in this prospective study. CE was performed following a 12 h fasting period. Twenty six patients were randomized for additional preparation with Prepacol®. The quality of CE was assessed separately for the proximal and the distal small bowel by 3 experienced endoscopists on the basis of a graduation which was initially developed with 20 previous CE.

RESULTS: Preparation with Prepacol® accelerated small bowel transit time (262 ± 55 min vs 287 ± 97 min), but had no effect on the quality of CE. Visibility was significantly reduced in the distal compared to the proximal small bowel.

CONCLUSION: The significantly reduced visibility of CE in the distal small bowel allocates the need for a good preparation. Since Prepacol® has no beneficial effect on CE the modality of preparation and the ideal time of application remains unclear. Further standardized examinations are necessary to identify sufficient preparation procedures and to determine the impact of the volume of the preparation solution.

Keywords: Small bowel, Capsule endoscopy, Preparation, Laxative, Visibility, Transit time