Optimizing bowel preparation for multidetector row CT colonography: effect of Citramag and Picolax.

AIM

To compare the adequacy and acceptability of Picolax and Citramag bowel cleansing agents for CT colonography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Multidetector row CT colonography was performed in 124 subjects; 43 had been prepared with Picolax and 81 with Citramag. Datasets were assessed for retained fluid and solid residue, and overall adequacy of segmental visualization. Preparation acceptability was also assessed.

RESULTS

There was significantly less retained fluid with Picolax. The odds of being in the next higher category for retained fluid when using Picolax were 0.33 (CI: 0.22-0.50, p<0.0001) when compared with Citramag, for all segments combined. However there was significantly more retained solid residue with Picolax. The odds of being in the next higher category for retained residue when using Picolax were 2.44 (CI: 1.41-4.24, p=0.002) when compared with Citramag, for all segments combined. There was no significant difference with respect to overall segmental visualization: the odds of a segment being adequately visualized when using Picolax were 1.52 (CI: 0.88-2.65, p=0.14) when compared with Citramag. There was no significant difference with respect to acceptability.

CONCLUSION

Picolax results in a significantly drier colon than Citramag and associated with more retained residue. We found Picolax the more suitable preparation for CT colonography.