SODIUM PICOSULPHATE COMPARED WITH POLYETHYLENE-GLYCOL SOLUTION FOR LARGE-BOWEL LAVAGE - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Mechanical efficiency, patient acceptability and minimal biochemical p erturbation are important factors in the choice of lavage solution for bowel preparation. This prospective randomised trialof 59 patients co mpared a polyethylene glycol bowel lavage solution (Klean Prep) to a s odium picosulphate solution (Picolax) considering their efficacy from both colonoscopists' and radiologists' points of view, patient accepti bility, and plasma biochemical changes. The sodium picosulphate soluti on was more acceptable to patients than the polyethylene glycol, and r esulted in significantly less nausea and vomiting (p=0.0025), and far fewer consumption difficulties (p<0.0001). Mean plasma biochemical cha nges were significantly different for magnesium (p<0.001), chloride (p <0.01) and potassium (p<0.02). Because neither lavage solution display ed a marked advantage for the colonoscopist or radiologist, and sodium picosulphate was more acceptable to patients, sodium picosulphate is the preferred solution for bowel preparation. The changes in plasma bi ochemistry values are unlikely to cause clinical problems.