USE OF ORAL GOLYTELY SOLUTION IN RELIEF OF REFRACTORY FECAL IMPACTION

Constipation and fecal impaction are common disorders with multiple tr eatment options, We describe the use of GoLytely oral solution in 10 p atients admitted to a community hospital and referred to a single gast roenterologist for fecal impaction refractory to conventional medical treatment. Seven women and three men received enemas, bisacodyl suppos itories, and digital fragmentation either solely or in combination pri or to the administration of GoLytely oral solution. The patients had n o clinical and radiological evidence of bowel obstruction. All had und erlying cardiovascular problems. Their mean age was 78.1 years (range 49 - 100 years). GoLytely oral solution (Braintree Laboratories, Inc.) was administered at a rate of 100 ml/hr per orem to three patients, v ia nasogastric tube in six patients, and via gastrostomy tube in one p atient. All 10 patients were able to regularly pass feces and show rad iographical colorectal clearing within 6.0 to 57.25 hr (mean 23.60 hr) . No significant complications were observed. Eight patients were disc harged from the hospital within 24 hr of termination of treatment whil e two patients remained for unrelated medical conditions. GoLytely ora l solution effectively relieved fecal impaction in 10 patients refract ory to conventional medical treatment.