REVIEW ARTICLE - ORTHOGRADE GUT LAVAGE FOR COLONOSCOPY

Most colon cleansing regimens for surgical and diagnostic procedures s uch as colonoscopy are modifications of older barium enema X-ray prepa rations which have evolved in gastrointestinal laboratories influenced by empiric experience. Recent formal study allows for careful compari son of gut lavage, diet and cathartic, and oral sodium phosphate prepa rations. This review will evaluate oral lavage solutions and address t heir safety, tolerance and efficacy. Administration options are discus sed as well as other diet and cathartic methods previously referred to as 'standard preps'.