Tolerance and effectiveness of two methods for colonic preparation prior to surgery: Fosfoda® vs Solución Evacuante Bohm

An adequate mechanical colon preparation prior to abdominal surgery is mandatory in order to prevent infectious and mechanical complications after surgery. The standard strategies for mechanical bowel preparation are based in the use of oral solutions.Aim: To compare effectiveness, security and tolerance of two methods for mechanical bowel preparation (Fosfosoda® and Solución Evacuante Bohm®).Methodology: Descriptive study of the prospective cohort of patients admitted for surgery requiring previous bowel preparation in the Fundación Hospital Alcorcón (Madrid), between October 01 and June 02 Results: Within patients who received Fosfosoda® as preparative solution (24/47%), 66% did not experience associated symthomatology at all, but 5 (21%) experienced vomiting. The bowel cleaning quality was classified as good or excellent in 92% of them according to nursing evaluation and as excellent in 70% according to surgeon evaluation. Due to an inadequate bowel cleaning 2 patients (8%) required an enema administration prior to surgery. Within patients who were treated with Solución Evacuante Bohm® (27/53%), 57% experienced no associated symthoms, 2 of them (7,5%) experienced vomiting, the bowel cleaning quality was classified as good/excellent in 85% by nurses and as excellent in 73% by surgeons. Within this group 3 (11%) patients required an enema administration prior to surgery.Conclusions: Bowel cleaning was slightly better in patients who were treated with Fosfoda®, nevertheless the tolerance was better within patients who received Solution Evacuante Bohm®.