Colonoscopy is the gold standard in bowel assessment when there is suspicion of colon and rectum pathology. Bowel cleansing is necessary to ensure an optimal visualization of colonic mucosa, allowing this form of detection and removal of polyps. Nowadays international recommendations have multiple bowel preparations. There are differences among them regarding adherence, tolerance and adverse effects. Lactulose (LAC) is widely used in treating constipation. However, there are some randomized clinical assays using LAC as bowel preparation with excellent results according to bowel preparation and tolerance scales. Adherence to bowel preparation significantly affects the result in the endoscopic study. Safety of polyethylene glycol (PEG) formulations has been validated in several studies, it presents little severe side effects and the advantage of its applicability to patients with several comorbidities (heart, liver and kidney without water deprivation). However, its main disadvantage lies in the need to ingest large amounts of liquid (3-4L), generating intolerance thereto in 15%-45% of patients. Bowel cleansing preparation with PEG is widely used in clinical practice. Considering that according to international studies reporting better tolerance and adherence with LAC; it is suggested to compare the level of bowel preparation, tolerance and adherence between two groups with LAC and PEG.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
150
4 tablets of Bisacodyl (5 mg) + 250 mL (162.5g lactulose) of lactulose + 600 mL of water + 2 L of water
4 tablets of Bisacodyl (5 mg) + 3 bottles Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (Polyethylene glycol 3350 60 g; sodium chloride 1.46 g; potassium chloride 745 mg; Sodium bicarbonate 1.68 g; anhydrous sodium sulfate 5.68 g; pineapple flavoring 483 mg) + 3 L of water
Hospital de Clinicas
Montevideo, Uruguay
Compare lactulose vs. Polyethylene Glycol as bowel cleansing preparation for colonoscopy
Compare the level of bowel preparation (by Boston Bowel Preparation Scale) between two groups with lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol. The minimum and maximum value is 0 and 9, respectively. A proper preparation is consider a Boston Bowel Preparation Scale ≥ 2 scores in each colonic segment. Unsuitable preparation a Boston Bowel Preparation Scale \< 2 scores in any of the segments. Score 0: is considered a segment of unprepared colon with mucosa that cannot be observed given the presence of solid stool which does not disappear after cleansing. Score 1: part of the colonic mucosa is observed; other areas cannot be suitably assessed given the presence of staining, residual matter and/or opaque liquid. Score 2: little remaining residual matter and small matter fragments which do not prevent correct visualization of colonic mucosa in said segment. Score 3: colonic mucosa which can be entirely observed with no residual matter nor small fragments of matter and opaque liquid.
Time frame: 6 months
Establish Boston Bowel Preparation Scale inter and intra-observer variability
Two researchers shall review the endoscopic study videos and they shall complete the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale inter-observer questionnaire. Results obtained by the endoscopist in charge of the study and the observers shall be compared so as to establish inter-observer variability. Researchers shall analyze one month later again all colonoscopies recorded thus establishing Boston Bowel Preparation Scale of each endoscopy. Then results previously established shall be compared so as to establish intra-observer variability. The minimum and maximum value is 0 and 9, respectively. A proper preparation is consider a Boston Bowel Preparation Scale ≥ 2 scores in each colonic segment. Unsuitable preparation a Boston Bowel Preparation Scale \< 2 scores in any of the segments.
Time frame: 7 months
Assess tolerance between lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol.
To assess tolerance it will be considered: good tolerance those patients with 3 or less symptoms with no major criterion; regular tolerance those patients with 4-5 symptoms, without major criterion and bad tolerance those patients with 6 or more symptoms or 1 or more major criteria.
Time frame: 6 months
Assess adherence between lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol.
To assess adherence it shall be assessed if the preparation was completed as well as the will to repeat the same preparation in the future.
Time frame: 6 months
Assess side effects between lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol.
To assess side effects of both preparations that will be considered: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or bloating, sickness, lipothymia, palpitations, precordial pain, insomnia, anal pain or burning, dry mouth, tinnitus, unpleasant taste.
Time frame: 6 months
Establish colonoscopy global adenoma detection rate with lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol.
It correspond to the number of adenomas/adenocarcinomas (histological diagnosis) divided by the total number of colonoscopies performed times 100.
Time frame: 6 months
Establish colonoscopy cecal intubation rate in with lactulose and Polyethylene Glycol.
It correspond to the number colonoscopies visualizing ileocecal valve divided by the total number of colonoscopies performed times 100.
Time frame: 6 months
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