OBJECTIVES: To compare efficacy and safety of magnesium sulphate in relation to polyethylene glycol in bowel preparation for colonoscopy. METHODS: Sixty patients older than 70 years old, of both genders, were selected for the study, and were randomly divided into two groups: the control group, using polyethylene glycol and the in study group with magnesium sulphate. Quality of preparation, patient tolerance, and side effects produced by each substance were evaluated. Colonoscopist was blinded in relation to the information of bowel preparation. RESULTS: Patients present a homogeneus distribution in groups, in factors as age, past pathologies, side effects, cleansing quality and time taken to reach cecum during colonoscopy. There were differences in gender distribution, being higher the number of female individuals in the group which used magnesium sulphate, however with no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Magnesium sulphate presented no statistical difference in relation to safety and efficacy levels in patients older than 70 years old, for bowel preparation, when it is compared with polyethylene glycol.
Colon; Colonoscopy; Diagnosis; Colon Neoplasms; Magnesium Sulphate
