Journal of clinical gastroenterology
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Jan 1999
Comparative StudyEffect of increased fluid intake on stool output in normal healthy volunteers.
Constipation is a common condition affecting millions of people throughout the world. The present study aimed to determine the effect of extra fluid intake, as recommended by many primary care physicians and gastroenterologists, on the actual stool output in normal healthy volunteers. We recruited 15 healthy volunteers (aged 23-46 years, mean 30.1) without any significant history of diarrhea or constipation to participate in our study. ⋯ Additional increase in fluid intake (isotonic or free water) did not result in a significant change in stool output. However, there was a significant increase in urine output (P < 0.05). Despite common medical advice to consume extra fluid for constipation, our results indicate that extra fluid intake in normal healthy volunteers did not produce a significant increase in stool output.
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Dec 1998
ReviewOutcomes research, practice guidelines, and disease management in clinical gastroenterology.
The delivery of health care is undergoing dramatic change. Often, patients have come to be viewed as customers and physicians as merely providers. The progressive rise in the cost of medical care has placed a premium on restraint. ⋯ The field of outcomes research has emerged in response to these influences, providing the means to measure the relative effectiveness of different interventions to identify those that provide the most benefit for their cost. At the same time, outcomes research provides a monitoring system to ensure that quality is not sacrificed in the enthusiasm to reduce expenditures. These principles have implications in the practice of clinical gastroenterology.
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Colonoscopy is routinely performed with conscious sedation. We wanted to determine if colonoscopy can be successfully completed without sedation and to assess patient tolerance and acceptance. One hundred nine consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy were examined. ⋯ Pain severity was a strong predictor (p=0.001) of future sedation preference. Colonoscopy without sedation may be completed successfully in most patients and does not undermine many patients' willingness to undergo a similar procedure in the future. Sedation by choice is more cost-effective, may be safer, and should be offered as an alternative to routine intravenous sedation.
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J. Clin. Gastroenterol. · Apr 1998
Letter Case ReportsPseudomembranous colitis induced by diclofenac.