Colonoscopy preparation-induced disorders in renal function and electrolytes

Abstract

Colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy are commonly used mainly for colon cancer screening and detection, but also in several other situations such as inflammatory bowel disease (for diagnosis and follow up) and gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Bowel cleansing preparations mainly include polyethylene glycol and oral sodium phosphate solutions, with the later being most frequently used due to better toleration from patients. Despite their favourable safety profile these agents have been associated with renal function deterioration and electrolyte disorders, some of which were serious or even fatal. The present paper discusses the complications associated with colonoscopy preparation agents.

Keywords: Oral sodium phosphate; Hyperphosphatemia; Hypocalcemia; Phosphate nephropathy

Core tip: Despite the important diagnostic and clinical utility of colonoscopy, serious electrolyte disorders and impaired kidney function have been observed with the agents used for bowel cleansing. The aim of this paper is to present these complications and discuss their prevention and management.