A prospective randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of zero calorie carbonated drink and water as a solvent in sodium phosphate for colonoscopy.

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of zero-calorie soft drink and plain water as a solvent for sodium phosphate in terms of good palatability and better patient tolerance.

Methods: The randomised controlled trial was conducted from May to December 2019 at the Dowites Operation Theatre Endoscopy Suite, Surgical Unit 3, Civil Hospital Karachi, and comprised patients aged >18 years of either gender undergoing colonoscopy for screening and non-emergency/non-urgent colorectal diseases. The patients were randomised into group A, which was assigned to take sodium phosphate in water, and group B, which was assigned to take sodium phosphate in zero-calorie soft drink. Bowel preparation was assessed by the consultant during endoscopy. Outcome variables, such as bowel cleanliness, palatability, tolerance of solution, adverse effects, and willingness to repeat the preparation, were evaluated in both groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 21.

Results: Of the 162 patients, there were 81(50%) in each of the two groups. There were 124(76.5%) males and the overall mean age was 43±8.66 years. The palatability score was significant (p=0.01) for group B compared to group A. Due to better palatability and tolerance, 64(79%) patients in group B took the preparation in <6 hours.

Conclusions: Use of zero-calorie soft drink was found to be a better option for colonoscopic preparation compared to plain water.

Rct Registration: Clinical trial unit (www.clinicaltrials.gov), NCT04316858.