A study of intracolonic hydrogen and methane levels during colonoscopy.
Gas samples were obtained during colonoscopy for analysis. Patients were prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG) (N = 23), phosphate enema (N = 34) and mannitol (N = 4). Air insufflation was used in all procedures. High concentrations of hydrogen were detected in 3 out of 38 gas samples in the PEG group, in 2 of 41 samples in the phosphate enema group and in one of the 8 samples in the mannitol group. All patients had a coexisting intracolonic oxygen concentration > 5%. The results suggest that potentially explosive concentrations of hydrogen may occur after conventional bowel preparations, and that insufflation of carbon dioxide during polypectomy should be a routine.
Gallagher
E A
EA
Department of Gastroenterology, Mater Hospital, Dublin.
Clarke
E
E
Connor
M
M
Shanahan
I
I
Smyth
M R
MR
Lennon
J R
JR
Crowe
J
J
D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004733:Enema; D005740:Gases / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D008353:Mannitol / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008697:Methane / Q000032:analysis*; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage
D005740:Gases; D010710:Phosphates; D008353:Mannitol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D006859:Hydrogen; D008697:Methane