Prospective, randomized comparison of castor oil and sodium phosphate preparation for barium enema.
OBJECTIVE
To compare castor oil and sodium phosphate preparation (Swiff) in patients' satisfaction, efficacy for colon cleanness, side effects, and prices.


METHODS
One hundred patients referred for barium enema were randomized to receive castor oil (n = 50) and sodium phosphate preparation (n = 50). They graded their satisfaction using a 5-point scale (easy, acceptable, slightly difficult, extremely difficult, and unacceptable). The efficacy for colon cleanness was graded by two radiologists using a 5-point scale (excellent, easy for evaluation, acceptable, difficult for evaluation, and unacceptable). Side effects were evaluated by patients' vital signs, total number of bowel frequency, and 10 associated symptoms.


RESULTS
Both preparations revealed no difference in patients' satisfaction (p = 0.882) and efficacy of colon cleanness (p = 0.130). Sodium phosphate preparation was more expensive (79 vs. 10 Baht) and caused higher number of bowel frequency (p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
With a cheaper price, castor oil was comparable with sodium phosphate preparation in patients' satisfaction and efficacy of colon cleanness.
Apisarnthanarak
Piyaporn
P
Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Rotjanaaree
Benjaporn
B
Komoltri
Chulalak
C
Charoensak
Aphinya
A
Apisarnthanarak
Anucha
A
Hargrove
Narumol Srisuthapan
NS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002368:Castor Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002400:Cathartics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003106:Colon / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004733:Enema; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010710:Phosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011859:Radiography; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D055815:Young Adult
D002400:Cathartics; D010710:Phosphates; D002368:Castor Oil; C018279:sodium phosphate