Alverine citrate plus simethicone reduces cecal intubation time in colonoscopy - a randomized study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Successful colonoscopy depends on the insertion of the instrument to the cecum, a detailed examination, and minimal discomfort to the patient during the procedure. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of alverine citrate plus simethicone on the cecal intubation time, colonic spasm and bowel cleanliness.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial in a consecutive series of patients was conducted to compare alverine citrate as an antispasmodic agent for relaxation of spasm with elective colonoscopy. The drug used consisted of 60 mg alverine citrate plus 300 mg simethicone. Sodium phosphate soda and enema were recommended for bowel cleansing. During colonoscopy, spasticity, difficulty of the procedure, pain, and cleanliness of the colon were scored between 0-4. The time required to reach the cecum was recorded as minutes.

RESULTS

Of 165 total patients, 83 and 82 patients were randomized as the drug group (mean age: 51.85+/-13.47 years) and control group (mean age: 51.68+/-16.28 years), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in the mean time to reach the cecum in favor of the drug group (7.48+/-3.45 minutes vs. 6.20+/-3.24 minutes; p=0.02). The time to reach the cecum prolonged with an increase in pain score and difficulty score (p=0.0001 and p=0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Alverine citrate plus simethicone reduced the intubation time significantly by 19%, from 7.48 minutes to 6.20 minutes.