Full-dose and half-dose Klean Prep produce clearer images with iliac duplex examination than picolax.
OBJECTIVE
Iso-osmotic bowel preparation (Klean Prep) improves the accuracy of iliac duplex examination and reduces the time of each examination. Full-dose Klean Prep entails 4 l of fluid. We studied the effect of 2 l of Klean Prep (half-dose) and Picolax on image quality.


METHODS
Prospective study comparing clarity of duplex examination after three different bowel preparation regimes with that after 12 h starvation.


METHODS
Thirty patients underwent iliac duplex examination after 12 h starvation. Scans were scored subjectively for grey scale and colour image quality, and Doppler signal-to-noise ratio. Patients were allocated blindly to: (a) full-dose Klean Prep, (b) half-dose Klean Prep, or (c) Picolax. After out-patient preparation, the scan was repeated and scored by the same observer, blinded to the preparation.


RESULTS
Both full- and half-dose Klean Prep produced significant improvements in image quality for all three modalities; Picolax produced minimal change. There was minimal advantage of full-dose over half-dose Klean Prep. Patients preferred half-dose Klean Prep to full-dose.


CONCLUSIONS
Klean Prep significantly improves the image obtained by iliac duplex examination; Picolax does not. Half-dose Klean Prep is an acceptable preparation to patients.
Whiteley
M S
MS
Department of Surgery, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, U.K.
Fox
A D
AD
Harris
R A
RA
Horrocks
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002951:Citrates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007083:Iliac Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010847:Picolines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex
D002400:Cathartics; D002951:Citrates; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010847:Picolines; C112283:klean prep; C005701:picosulfate sodium