ISPAGHULA (VI-SIBLIN) VERSUS STANDARD PREPARATION FOR BARIUM ENEMA

Purpose: To compare 2 methods of colonic cleansing before double-contr ast barium enema. A standard preparation of bisacodyl was compared wit h a preparation of dietary fibre (ispaghula). Material and Methods: Th e patients referred for double-contrast barium enema were randomly all ocated to one of the colonic cleansing regimens. The effectiveness and patient acceptance of the preparations were evaluated. Results: There was a significantly poorer colon cleanness score in the ispaghula gro up (p=0.0001). Patient tolerance of the 2 regimens was not significant ly different. Conclusion: Ispaghula alone is not sufficient as a clean sing preparation for double-contrast barium enema.