Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy in Very Old Patients A Randomized Prospective Trial Comparing Oral Sodium Phosphate and Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Lavage Solution

Background: Colonoscopic preparations are defectively tolerated among many very old patients and the quality of preparation is often inadequate. Methods: Seventy-two patients aged 80 years or more were randomized to receive either NaP(37) or PEG (35) preparation. Patients' and endoscopists' opinions of the preparation and colonoscopy were ascertained, the adverse effects were recorded, clinical indicators of dehydration such as tongue dryness, upper body muscle weaknessand confusion were assessed and laboratory tests were taken before and after the preparation. Results: Patients' evaluations showed no significant difference regarding the tolerance of preparations. Only the frequency of nausea was higher in the NaPgroup (16%/9%, P = 0.01). Assessment of the indicators of dehydration showed a difference only in tongue drynessin the NaPgroup (P = 0.02). The quality of preparation was evaluated by endoscopists as good or excellent in 81% of cases in the NaPgroup and in 77% of cases in the PEG group. The...