Oral sodium phosphates solution versus polyethylene glycol for colon cleansing prior to radiological assessment.

A clean bowel environment is essential prior to radiological assessment of the colon. The objectives were to determine patient compliance and acceptability, physician satisfaction, overall clinical effectiveness and tolerability with the use of oral sodium phosphates (Fosfosoda) and polyethylene glycol solutions as bowel cleansing agents in a relatively large cohort of Spanish patients requiring radiologic examination of the colon. This was an observational survey involving 592 patients (> or =18 years and approximately 60% women) who received Fosfosoda or polyethylene glycol solutions according to data sheet instructions.

[Diagnostic imaging of the small bowel].

This article describes the different imaging techniques used in the study of the small bowel. We define the technical requirements that conventional small bowel follow through studies must fulfill to be considered an efficacious examination (individualized study of each bowel loop by compression and fluoroscopy); we evaluate the different types of enteroclysis, giving special attention to the biphasic type, which is the most commonly employed; we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of biphasic enteroclysis with respect to conventional small bowel follow through studies; and finally we evaluate the role of modern techniques of image acquisition, tomodensitometry and magnetic resonance imaging used together with traditional techniques. Small bowel studies require accurate indications for radiologic study, thorough and meticulous examination, and careful interpretation of the images obtained.