A prospective comparison of two regimes of bowel preparation for pediatric colorectal procedures: normal saline with added potassium vs. polyethylene glycol.

Abstract

We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of total gut irrigation (TGI) using normal saline with added potassium (NS) and polyethylene glycol (PG) in patients undergoing a variety of colorectal procedures including single-stage pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned into one of the two groups (NS or PG). Pre- and post-TGI weight, abdominal girth, and serum electrolytes were assessed. Patients were also evaluated for vomiting and abdominal discomfort. At surgery, bowel preparation was evaluated, and postoperative complications were recorded. Both NS and PG are safe and effective agents for TGI. No patient in either group had any clinical or statistically significant change in the evaluated parameters. The amount of NS required for TGI was significantly higher than PG, and PG was better tolerated than NS. All patients with HD completed TGI, although one patient with long segment HD had abdominal distension.

• Authors: Anindya Chattopadhyay, Bhanu Prakash, Deepti Vepakomma, Yoga Nagendhar, Vijayakumar
• Journal: Pediatric surgery international (Pediatr Surg Int) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 127-9 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 0179-0358 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 14752676 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Cathartics
• Polyethylene Glycols
• Sodium Chloride
• Potassium

Topics

• Cathartics (pharmacology)
• Child, Preschool
• Colon (surgery)
• Colonoscopy (methods)
• Digestive System Surgical Procedures (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Intestines (drug effects)
• Male
• Polyethylene Glycols (pharmacology)
• Potassium (pharmacology)
• Preoperative Care (methods)
• Rectum (surgery)
• Sodium Chloride (pharmacology)
• Treatment Outcome