[Metabolic changes after whole gut washout with an electrolyte solution (author's transl)].

Colonic lavage with physiological saline causes undesirable side effects. A solution as first described by Hewitt was modified and used clinically for whole gut lavage. In comparison with the original solution an unchanged high fluid resorption of 22% of the total was seen. However, changes in acid-base and electrolyte balance were less than after washout with normal saline. Hypokalaemia or metabolic acidosis were not seen any longer. The modified solution thus seems more suitable than saline but does not yet fulfill all the requirements of an optimal solution.