Disimpaction of children with severe constipation in 3-4 days in a suburban clinic using polyethylene glycol with electrolytes and sodium picosulphate

Abstract

Aim Constipation is a common cause of admission to hospital for disimpaction, as oral laxatives are often inadequate. High-dose oral laxative protocols are used for complete bowel clearance prior to colonoscopy, but have not been reported for treating faecal impaction. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a high-dose oral protocol using polyethylene glycol with electrolytes (PEG + E) (Movicol Rx) combined with sodium picosulphate (SP) (Dulcolax SP Rx) in faecal impaction in children presenting to a suburban clinic. Methods Forty-four children presented with acute/chronic faecal impaction were given six to eight sachets of PEG + E were given on day 1, with decreasing doses..