title: A new oral lavage solution vs cathartics and enema method for preoperative colonic cleansing.
abstract: Sulfate free-electrolyte lavage solution is a new osmotically balanced electrolyte gut lavage solution for colon surgery that has been formulated for improved taste and reduced water and electrolyte changes. Sixty patients were prospectively randomized to receive a 1-day preparation with sulfate free-electrolyte lavage solution or a 3-day preparation using a clear liquid diet, cathartics, and enemas. The patient groups were similar in age, race, male-female ratio, and the types of colonic resections performed. Colonic cleansing was better with sulfate free-electrolyte lavage solution (100% vs 63% "good" to "excellent" cleansing). Patient tolerance evaluated by a questionnaire showed more overall discomfort with sulfate free-electrolyte lavage solution but no difference between the preparations in individual symptoms of fullness, cramping, nausea, or vomiting. One patient developed a low level of serum potassium after a cathartic and enema preparation, while there were no complications with sulfate free-electrolyte lavage solution. Patient taste questionnaires showed a slight preference for sulfate free-electrolyte lavage solution (53%) over a polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (47%). This study confirms that sulfate free-electrolyte lavage solution is a safe and effective method of preoperative colonic cleansing.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Tex 78236.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: DiPalma
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004733:Enema / Q000009:adverse effects; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D004573:Electrolytes