Diseases of the colon and rectum
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Oral sodium phosphate (Fleet) is a superior colonoscopy preparation to Picopre (sodium picosulfate-based preparation).
Small-volume bowel preparation is better tolerated than 4-liter polyethylene glycol lavage. However, the efficacy of various small-volume bowel preparation agents for colonoscopy has not been clearly defined. This randomized, controlled trial was designed to compare oral sodium phosphate (Fleet) with Picoprep (sodium picosulfate-based preparation). ⋯ Oral sodium phosphate (Fleet) is more effective in bowel cleansing than Picoprep as a bowel preparation agent. Both agents have similar side effects and patient acceptance.
-
Quality of life is an important outcome measure that has to be considered when deciding treatment strategy for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to find out the impact of surgery-related adverse effects on quality of life. ⋯ Quality of life after rectal cancer surgery is not worse than that of the general population. The major adverse impact of bowel and urogenital dysfunction is on social functioning. These adverse effects need to be discussed with the patient and preoperative function needs to be taken into account when choosing between treatment options. Permanent colostomy is not always the factor that disrupts a person's quality of life most.