title: Therapeutic modalities for mechanical cleansing of the colon.
abstract: Mechanical cleansing of the colon is an accepted standard of practice prior to colon surgery, and endoscopic and radiographic procedures. Cleansing the bowel prior to these procedures increases the accuracy of the diagnostic procedures and decreases the morbidity and mortality following surgery, where fecal contamination is a concern. Mechanical cleansing agents are sometimes used for acute constipation, but because of the extent and harshness of the evacuation they induce, and because of their adverse effects, they are not used for long-term management of constipation. Dosages vary among products, procedures, and individuals. Manufacturer guidelines should be consulted for proper dosing and administration.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Messick
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Danziger
mesh_terms: D001726:Bisacodyl / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D020113:Phenolphthalein; D010635:Phenolphthaleins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D011859:Radiography; D012277:Ricinoleic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D002400:Cathartics; D010635:Phenolphthaleins; D012277:Ricinoleic Acids; D001726:Bisacodyl; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D020113:Phenolphthalein; C030521:ricinoleic acid