Effect observation of taking polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution at different time on bowel preparation in elderly for colonscopy

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy and side effects of split-dose Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution (PEG) with full-dose preparation in the elderly for colonoscopy, and to summary the experience of nursing care. Methods A total of 220 elderly undergoing colonoscopy were randomly divided into experimental group (group A) and control group (group B), 110 cases in each group. Group A took half the dose of PEG (1.5 L) at 5 PM on the day before colonoscopy and the remaining half (1.5 L) were instructed to drink at 6 AM on the day of colonoscopy. Group B took all the PEG (3 L) at 6 AM on the day of colonoscopy. The quality of bowel cleansing was assessed according to the Boston bowel preparation scale (BBPS), and side effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue and hunger) and complication were also observed. In addition, the polyps and tumors of colon detection were compared within the two groups. Results The level of bowel preparation in group A was superior to group B [(6.65±1.67) vs (6.14±1.91, t=2.097, P<0.05)], however, the incidence of side effects such as nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and bloating in group A were 14 cases, 34 cases and 22 cases less than those of group B (χ2=4.400, 4.111, 4.002, respectively; P<0.05). The detection rate of colonic polyps and tumors in group A (37.3%) were also higher than that of group B (24.5%) (χ2=4.172, P<0.05). Conclusions The use of a split-dose PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy significantly improved bowel preparation. Split-dose preparation is associated with a lower incidence of side effects, and higher detection rate of colonic polyps and tumors in the elderly. Key words: Elderly; Bowel preparation; Polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution