Adequate cleansing is essential for reliable diagnostic and surgical colon
procedures. Accuracy and safety depend on good preparation. Patient complia
nce is enhanced by simplicity and wed-tolerated methods.
Several methods are available. Diet and cathartic regimens utilize clear li
quids or diets designed to leave a minimal colonic residue. Laxatives, cath
artics and enemas are employed. Gut lavage solutions are osmotically balanc
ed electrolyte ravage products. Oral sodium phosphate solutions and tablets
are available and are attractive because of good efficacy with a small vol
ume of administration.
For colonoscopy and colon surgery preparation, these methods have been prov
en safe and effective. For barium enema X-ray, lavage requires an adjunctiv
e agent such as bisacodyl to enhance barium coating. Overall, all regimens
are well-tolerated.
This review discusses the development and clinical experience with various
colon cleansing regimens.