The timing of bowel preparation before colonoscopy determines the quality of cleansing, and is a significant factor contributing to the detection of flat lesions: a randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the cleansing quality of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution and sodium phosphate with different schedules of administration, and to evaluate whether the timing of the administration of bowel preparation affects the detection of polyps.


METHODS
One hundred and seventy-seven consecutive outpatients scheduled for colonoscopy were randomized in one of four groups to receive polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution or oral sodium phosphate with two different timing schedules. Quality of cleansing, polyp detection, and tolerance were evaluated.


RESULTS
Patients receiving polyethylene glycol or sodium phosphate on the same day as the colonoscopy, obtained good to excellent global cleansing scores more frequently than patients who received polyethylene glycol or sodium phosphate on the day prior to the procedure (P < 0.001). Flat lesions, but not flat adenomas, were more frequent in patients prepared on the same day (P = 0.02).


CONCLUSIONS
The quality of colonic cleansing and the detection of flat lesions are significantly improved when the preparation is taken on the day of the colonoscopy.
Parra-Blanco
Adolfo
A
Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Unidad de Endoscopia (10(a) Planta), Hospital Universitario de Canarias, C/Ofra s/n, 38320 La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. parrablanco@hotmail.com
Nicolas-Perez
David
D
Gimeno-Garcia
Antonio
A
Grosso
Begona
B
Jimenez
Alejandro
A
Ortega
Juan
J
Quintero
Enrique
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003113:Colonoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
D002400:Cathartics; D010710:Phosphates; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C018279:sodium phosphate