A Study of Colonoscopy Preparation for Pediatric Patients : Effects and Methods of Polyethylene Glycol Electrolyte Lavage Solution

Abstract

It is essential to clean the colon for accurate endoscopic observation. A modified version of Brown's method (conventional method) has been widely used for colonoscopy preparation in pediatric patients. We have been using a polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution (GOLYTELY) since 1985. We studied the effectiveness of these two methods in 40 patients. The results were as follows : 1) The conventional method of cleansing the colon was not effective in 19% of the patients. Preparations using GOLYTELY were carried out with safety and results were more satisfactory than with the conventional method. 2) Administration of GOLYTELY was best when (1) infused from a naso-gastric tube in the prone position, (2) with an infusion speed of 15ml/kg/hour, (3) a total volume of 75ml/kg and (4) when the examination was started 5-10 hours after the completion of the infusion.