Abstract
Objective: We analyzed the efficacy of position change in relieving the pain and burden of examinees undergoing bowel preparation with electrolytes for colonoscopy.
Method: We randomized subjects requiring colonoscopy due to being positive in an immunological fecal occult blood test in primary medical examinations from May 2010 to June 2011 to one of 3 groups. The 3 groups were standard group using conventional bowel cleaning method and no position change, group with 5-minutes in left lateral position during bowel preparation and group with 15 min in left lateral position during bowel preparation. We analyzed the time taken until inspection was considered possible (preparation time), volume of electrolyte intake, as well as the volume of residual fluid in the colon and colon cleaning rate as measured by the endoscopist, for each of the 3 groups.
Results: There were no significant differences among the groups regarding preparation time, electrolyte intake volume and residual fluid volume. The colon cleaning rate was excellent in 90.0% of the 15-minute group and in 77.2% and 33.0% of the 5-minute group and standard group (p<0.01), respectively.
Conclusion: It is considered effective to use the left lateral position to prepare patients for colonoscopy.
