Safe bowel diagnosis Before colonoscopy, it is better to take laxatives twice

The intestine should be as clean as possible for the reflection
Colonoscopy is the most important method for the early detection of colorectal cancer. For a meaningful result, however, it is important that the intestine is cleaned as well as possible in advance. Experts point to this in the run-up to the congress Visceral Medicine 2016 in Hamburg. The preparation begins a few days before the appointment with a change in diet and the use of laxatives.

Most effective method in colorectal cancer screening
The colonoscopy (colonoscopy) is according to the German Cancer Society e.V. the most important and meaningful investigation for the early detection and diagnosis of colorectal cancer dar. Using an endoscope (also called colonoscope), the doctor can look at the inside of the intestine and examine the intestinal mucosa for abnormalities. In addition, tissue samples can be taken with the special instrument in suspected changes and mucosal growths (intestinal polyps) are removed.

Once the bowel has been thoroughly cleaned, abnormalities such as polyp can be easily detected during colonoscopy and removed as needed. (Image: psdesign1 / fotolia.com)

Reliable results only with purified intestine
For the examination to be carried out, the intestine must first be thoroughly cleaned. This is informed by the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) in a recent communication on the occasion of the "Visceral Medicine 2016".

"Because if the intestine is not optimally prepared, we can not reliably assess the structures of the intestinal wall," said the chairman of the DGVS Endoscopy Section, Professor. med. Alexander Meining. Intestinal polyps, which may develop into malignant carcinomas, may not be detected then, which in case of doubt, a re-examination is necessary, the expert's warning.

Preparation begins four days before the examination
In order to prepare optimally, patients should not eat any fiber-rich vegetables and wholegrain products four days before the appointment. On the day before the colonoscopy, fasting begins: "At lunchtime, a clear broth and then only drink," explains Meining. In the early evening of the previous day, the first dose of a poly-ethylene glycol solution (PEG for short) was taken as a laxative. The next morning or about three hours before the mirroring follows the second dose of the solution, the recommendation of the DGVS.

"A meta-analysis from the past year shows very clearly that with PEG solutions, spread over two days, the best results can be achieved," says Meining. Since the solution does not taste very good, according to the experts, it should be drunk best quickly and icy cold. In parallel, it is advisable to drink two liters of clear juices, water or fruit tea. Sweet drinks could also help against the feeling of hunger. (No)