Simethicone for the Preparation Before Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Publisher



Ahsan M^{1, 2} ; Babaei L¹ ; Gholamrezaei A^{1, 2} ; Emami MH^{2, 3} Show Affiliations
Source: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy Published:2011

Abstract

Aim. The presence of air bubbles and foam in stomach and duodenum is a common problem during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Methods. Candidates of elective EGD received 40mg chewable tablet of simethicone (n=90) or placebo (n=83), with 30mL water, 15-30min before the EGD. Foam/air bubbles during endoscopy were assessed and graded on a 4-point scale, and patients' satisfaction with the endoscopy was scored from 0 to 10. Results. The amount of gastric but not duodenal foam/air bubbles was significantly lower in the simethicone group compared with the placebo group (P=0.002). Duration of endoscopy was, on average, one minute shorter in the simethicone group compared with the placebo group (P<0.001). Patients' satisfaction with the procedure was the same in the two groups. Conclusion. Administration of simethicone prior to EGD reduces the amount of gastric foam and bubbles and provides better visibility for evaluating the mucosa. It also decreases the duration of endoscopy. Further trials are required to find the final effect of the drug on diagnosis of pathological lesions. © 2011 Majid Ahsan et al.