ADDITION OF CISAPRIDE SHORTENS COLONOSCOPY PREPARATION WITH LAVAGE INELDERLY PATIENTS

Methods: The effect of pre-treatment with cisapride on colonoscopy pre paration with lavage solution was compared in 120 out-patients less th an 60 years and 73 out-patients 60 years or older, who were scheduled for total colonoscopy. By random allocation, patients were assigned to receive cisapride 10 mg or placebo 30 minutes before ingesting the ma gnesium citrate lavage solution. Results: The cleansing results and pa tients' acceptance did not differ significantly in the two treatment g roups in either age group. The time from the start of ingesting magnes ium citrate until the rectal effluent became clear was significantly s horter in cisapride-treated patients of 60 years or more. Moreover, th e residual fluid volume removed by suction during colonoscopy was sign ificantly less in the patients above aged 60 years who received cisapr ide. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the combination of cisap ride and magnesium citrate is more effective than magnesium citrate al one in cleansing the colon for colonoscopy in elderly patients.