[Comparison of the effectiveness and tolerability of the saccharosum-sennosid-B solution and sodium-picosulfate in preparation for colonoscopy. Prospective, multicenter, randomized study].

Introduction: The effectivity, evaluability of the colonoscopic procedure depends greatly on the preparation and the cleanliness of the colon. A large scale of laxatives used for colon preparation are also available in our country (phenolphtalein, Karlsbad-salt, saccharosum + sennosid-B solution, bisacodyl, powder mixtures).

Aims: The authors examined in 5 gastroenterology centres the tolerability and effectivity of two frequently used laxatives--saccharosum + sennosid-B solution and Na-picosulphate--during colonoscopic preparation in 157 patients.

Methods: Exclusion criteria were: severe anemia, renal insufficiency, cardiac failure, active ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, possible stenotising colonic process and hypersensibility to one of the compounds. The patients were randomised prospectively. In the case of the saccharosum + sennosid-B solution the colon preparation was performed according to the manufacturers prescriptions, in the case of the Na-pikosulfate the investigator's own procedure was used based on literature data. The tolerability of the preparation was assessed using a questionnaire. The investigators made their statements concerning the cleanliness of the different colon sections based on uniform criteria.

Results: Both methods showed good efficacy concerning the cleanliness of the colon. The patients considered the Na-picosulphate better tolerable--based on the questionnaire data. The authors consider the analysis of further laxatives to help improve the work of their fellow endoscopists.