The aim of this study was to compare the cleansing ability, patient compliance, and safety of two oral solutions or colonoscopy. All eligible patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a standard mannitol solution or a 260 ml 01 sodium phosphate for bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Parameters evaluated included patient's tolerance or taste and volume 01 solutions, gastrointestinal and cardiac side effects and quality 01 preparation. Exclusion criteria included pregnancy, ascites, symptomatic congestive heart disease and pre-existent renal disease. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxón 's rank-sum test and Fisher 's exact test. Between April 96 and 98, 220 patients were prospectively randomized to receive either mannitol or sodium phosphate solutions, and completed all phases 01 the trial. Patient's tolerance for both solutions was similar except for abdominal pain and bloating, that were more common with oral mannitol. Conversely, patients tolerance to sodium phosphate was poor due to oral taste (p=0.0043). The quality of preparation was similar for both solutions. However the exam was interrupted in 8 and 5 patients who took mannitol and sodium phosphate, respectively (p =0.56) There was no morbidity or mortality in this series. Although quality of both preparations was similar; oral sodium phosphate was better tolerated overall. Both oral solutions proved to be effective and safe. Sodium phosphate was related to less dehydration and overall cost. In addition, patient tolerance of the smaller volume of sodium phosphate may be a clear advantage over the traditional mannitol.
Colonoscopy; Bowel preparation; Sodium phosphate; Mannitol