Abstract

Colonoscopy is the current standard method for evaluation of the colon. Diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic safety of colonoscopy depends on the quality of the colonic cleansing or preparation. The ideal preparation for colonoscopy would reliably empty the colon of all fecal material in a rapid fashion with no gross or histologic alteration of the colonic mucosa. The preparation also would not cause any patient discomfort or shifts in fluids or electrolytes and would be inexpensive. 1 DiPalma J.A. Brady C.E. Colon cleansing for diagnostic and surgical procedures: polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution. Am J Gastroenterol. 1989; 84: 1008-1016 PubMed Google Scholar Unfortunately, none of the preparations currently available meet all of these requirements. 1 DiPalma J.A. Brady C.E. Colon cleansing for diagnostic and surgical procedures: polyethylene glycol-electrolyte lavage solution. Am J Gastroenterol. 1989; 84: 1008-1016 PubMed Google Scholar , 2 Tooson J.D. Gates Jr., L.K. Bowel preparation before colonoscopy. Choosing the best lavage regimen. Postrgrad Med. 1996; 100: 203-214 PubMed Google Scholar AddendumGastrointestinal EndoscopyVol. 64Issue 1PreviewImmediately following publication of "Wexner SD (Task Force Chair), Beck DE, Baron TH, Fanelli RD, Hyman N, Shen B, Wasco KE. A consensus document on bowel preparation before colonoscopy: prepared by a Task Force from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) (Gastrointest Endosc 2006;63:894-909)," the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert regarding the use of oral sodium phosphate (OSP) products for bowel preparation. Full-Text PDF