Clinical application of simethicone emulsion on bowel preparation for colonoscopy

Abstract

Objective To assess the clinical effects of simethicone emulsion combined with polyethylene glycol on bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Methods Two hundred out-patients, who underwent colonoscopy, were randomly divided into the study group and the control group. The study group was given simethicone in addition with polyethylene glycol, and the control group was given polyethylene glycol only. The differences on bowel preparation scores, air bubble reduction rate, colon lens sharpness, ileocecal region arrival time, colon polyp detection rate, the number of colon poly detection, and adverse event rate between the two groups were compared. Results The air bubble reduction rate, colon lens sharpness score and ileocecal region arrival time of the study group was 1(0-3) score, 1.0(0-2) score, and 9 (5-21) min, respectively, which was 2 (1-3) score, 1.5 (0-2) score and 12 (6-22) min, respectively in the control group. Differences between the two groups were statistically significant(Z=-9.490, P=0.000; Z=-6.768, P=0.000; Z=-5.521, P=0.000). For the bowel preparation score, colonoscopy polyp detection rate, the detection rate of colon polyp of diameter less than 5 mm, and number of colonoscopy polyp detection, there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse events were observed in the both two groups. Conclusion The bowel preparation using simethicone combined with polyethylene glycol could effectively decrease the number of air bubble, enhance colon lens sharpness and shorten operation time, which contributes significant improvement for colonoscopy quality. Key words: Colonoscopy; Bowel preparation; Simethicone; Polyethylene glycol