title: Use of oral GoLytely solution in relief of refractory fecal impaction.
abstract: Constipation and fecal impaction are common disorders with multiple treatment options. We describe the use of GoLytely oral solution in 10 patients admitted to a community hospital and referred to a single gastroenterologist for fecal impaction refractory to conventional medical treatment. Seven women and three men received enemas, bisacodyl suppositories, and digital fragmentation either solely or in combination prior to the administration of GoLytely oral solution. The patients had no clinical and radiological evidence of bowel obstruction. All had underlying cardiovascular problems. Their mean age was 78.1 years (range 49-100 years). GoLytely oral solution (Braintree Laboratories, Inc.) was administered at a rate of 100 ml/hr per orem to three patients, via nasogastric tube in six patients, and via gastrostomy tube in one patient. All 10 patients were able to regularly pass feces and show radiographical colorectal clearing within 6.0 to 57.25 hr (mean 23.60 hr). No significant complications were observed. Eight patients were discharged from the hospital within 24 hr of termination of treatment while two patients remained for unrelated medical conditions. GoLytely oral solution effectively relieved fecal impaction in 10 patients refractory to conventional medical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Evanston Hospital, Northwestern University-McGaw Medical Center, Illinois 60201, USA.
authors.forename: F P
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Tiongco
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pollack
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005244:Fecal Impaction / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012996:Solutions; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004573:Electrolytes; C033608:Golytely; D012996:Solutions; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols