Bowel cleansing methods prior to CT colonography.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the cleansing effect, ease of preparation and side-effects of two cleansing regimens containing either polyethylene glycol solution (PEG) or phospho-soda (Na-P) solution prior to CT colonography in a prospective, randomized, radiologist-blinded design.


METHODS
Fifty persons were randomized to receive either a PEG preparation or a Na-P preparation prior to CT colonography. On axial 2D images, the rectum, the sigmoid, the descending, the transverse and the cecum/ascending colon were scored semiquantitatively as to cleanness by two radiologists blinded to the bowel preparation regimen. Quality scores in the two groups were compared. Ease of preparation and side-effects were assessed by a questionnaire.


RESULTS
The overall quality of the bowel preparation with the Na-P preparation was better than with the PEG preparation with significantly better cleansing scores for the rectum, the sigmoid, the descending and the transverse colon. The Na-P preparation was significantly better tolerated than the PEG preparation with significantly less nausea and significantly less fecal incontinence.


CONCLUSIONS
The quality of the bowel preparation was better with the Na-P preparation than with the PEG preparation prior to CT colonography. Moreover, the Na-P preparation was better tolerated and with fewer side-effects.
Ginnerup Pedersen
B
B
Department of Radiology, Aarhus Amtssygehus, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Møller Christiansen
T E
TE
Viborg Mortensen
F
F
Christensen
H
H
Laurberg
S
S
D000368:Aged; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000187:drug effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010710:Phosphates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D010710:Phosphates; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C018279:sodium phosphate