A prospective comparison of two regimes of bowel preparation for pediatric colorectal procedures: normal saline with added potassium vs. polyethylene glycol.
We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of total gut irrigation (TGI) using normal saline with added potassium (NS) and polyethylene glycol (PG) in patients undergoing a variety of colorectal procedures including single-stage pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned into one of the two groups (NS or PG). Pre- and post-TGI weight, abdominal girth, and serum electrolytes were assessed. Patients were also evaluated for vomiting and abdominal discomfort. At surgery, bowel preparation was evaluated, and postoperative complications were recorded. Both NS and PG are safe and effective agents for TGI. No patient in either group had any clinical or statistically significant change in the evaluated parameters. The amount of NS required for TGI was significantly higher than PG, and PG was better tolerated than NS. All patients with HD completed TGI, although one patient with long segment HD had abdominal distension.
Chattopadhyay
Anindya
A
Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, 576119, Manipal, Karnataka, India. achattopadhyay@yahoo.com
Prakash
Bhanu
B
Vepakomma
Deepti
D
Nagendhar
Yoga
Y
Vijayakumar
D002400:Cathartics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003106:Colon / Q000601:surgery; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000379:methods; D013505:Digestive System Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007422:Intestines / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000494:pharmacology; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012007:Rectum / Q000601:surgery; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002400:Cathartics; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D011188:Potassium