The randomized, single-blind study compared results between 116 colonoscopy patients given a split dosage of colon preparation the night before and morning of their colonoscopy and those given the colonoscopy preparation solely the morning of their colonoscopy. The study shows that both treatments are clinically equal.
“The most important thing to consider during a colonoscopy are clear images,” David Kastenberg, MD, primary investigator for the study, said in the release. “During the procedure I want to be able to have the best view to ensure that nothing is missed and all abnormalities are scrutinized. That’s why the colon prep is so important. . .Recently, the American College of Gastroenterology endorsed split dosing, which means patients need to experience all the side effects of a colon prep both at night and on the morning of the colonoscopy. What we looked at was can we administer the colon prep the same day and get equal results without the side effects? The answer is yes.”
Of the 116 patients studied 62 received the prep in the morning against 54 receiving it the night before. The colon images were adequate in both groups at well over 90 percent, according to the release. Polyp detection was actually found to be greater in the morning colon prep group. Overall adverse effects were found not to be significantly different between the two groups.
Read the release on the effectiveness of reduced colonoscopy prep.
