A blinded, randomized comparison of a novel, low-dose, triple regimen with fleet phospho-soda: a study of colon cleanliness, speed and success of colonoscopy.
OBJECTIVE
A clean colon is essential for an efficient examination. The aim of this study was to compare a novel low-dose, low volume triple regimen with Fleet Phospho-soda.


METHODS
A blinded, experienced colonoscopist examined 132 consecutive patients randomly allocated to receive either a triple regimen consisting of senna syrup (sennoside B), Picolax (sodium picosulphate), and Klean Prep (polyethylene glycol 3350), or Fleet Phospho-soda (sodium dihydrogen phosphate and disodium phosphate dodecahydrate). The colonoscopist recorded cleanliness according to a scoring system (1-very clean to 4-solid stools), and time taken to reach the caecum.


RESULTS
In the triple regimen group (n = 81), 73% scored 1 or 2 compared with 57% in the Fleet Phospho-soda group (n = 51, p = 0.037 Mann-Whitney U-test). Examination to caecum was achieved in 95% of the triple regimen group and 89% of the Fleet Phospho-soda group. Among those examined as far as the caecum, the time to reach the caecum was 11 minutes (range 5-50) in the triple regimen group compared with 16 minutes (range 5-65) in the Fleet Phospho-soda group (p = 0.08, Mann-Whitney U-test). Patient tolerability was not assessed in this study.


CONCLUSIONS
This novel triple regimen produces a cleaner colon than Fleet Phospho-soda, is associated with a trend towards a quicker and more efficient colonic examination, and is also 30% cheaper per patient.
Chilton
A P
AP
Walsgrave Hospital, Coventry, UK.
O'Sullivan
M
M
Cox
M A
MA
Loft
D E
DE
Nwokolo
C U
CU
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000880:Anthraquinones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects; D002951:Citrates; D003113:Colonoscopy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010847:Picolines / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011292:Premedication; D012676:Senna Extract; D000081226:Sennosides
D000880:Anthraquinones; D002400:Cathartics; D002951:Citrates; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010710:Phosphates; D010847:Picolines; D000081226:Sennosides; C112283:klean prep; D012676:Senna Extract; C005701:picosulfate sodium; C018279:sodium phosphate