Background and study aims: Ischemic colitis (IC) may occur as a complication of colonoscopy. The aim of this study was to characterize patients with IC that occurred after exposure to bowel preparation laxatives, prior to an elective colonoscopy.
Patients and methods: A survey among Israeli gastroenterologists. Information was collected regarding individual cases.
Results: Eight patients, who developed IC after bisacodyl ingestion that was taken as part of pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation protocol, were reported. In all patients, severe abdominal pain and/or hematochezia started shortly after the ingestion of the first dose of bisacodyl. IC was found in 7 patients during the planned colonoscopy and in 1 patient using computerized tomography. All patients received supportive treatment and recovered.
Conclusions: IC induced by bisacodyl is a rare phenomenon. Regardless of being rare, we would advise withholding bisacodyl bowel preparation in elderly subjects with risk factors for IC that are scheduled for a colonoscopy.
Keywords: Bisacodyl; Colonoscopy complications; Ischemic colitis; National Survey; Pre-colonoscopy bowel preparation.
© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica.