WASHINGTON – A novel, edible colon preparation could make obsolete the fasting and large volume of salty liquid cleansing that keep many a patient from completing their colonoscopies.
A pilot study showed that all 10 patients who ate a series of nutritionally balanced meals, drinks, and snacks such as pretzels and pudding had a successful colon cleansing according to the endoscopist at the time of the procedure, Dr. L. Campbell Levy of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., reported at the annual Digestive Disease Week.
The preparation, which is blended with polyethylene glycol 3350, sorbitol, and ascorbic acid, did not produce any significant changes in electrolytes or creatinine.
There were no adverse events and, equally important, all 10 patients said that they would follow the edible bowel regimen again for a subsequent procedure.
In a video interview, he discussed the small study’s results and the plans for larger, randomized studies.
Dr. Levy reported no relevant conflicts. The inventor of the diet and the founder of Colonary Concepts were involved in the study.
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